New Zealand and England have both faced penalties in the World Test Championship (WTC) due to slow over-rates during their recent Test match in Christchurch. Each team has been docked three points and all players fined 15% of their match fees following the umpires’ ruling.
This decision has not only affected the teams’ standing in the WTC table but has also complicated New Zealand’s hopes of reaching another WTC final.
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Currently, New Zealand’s WTC points percentage stands at 47.92%, which has now dropped them to fifth place. With only two matches remaining in the series, their maximum possible points percentage can only rise to 55.36%, putting their chances of making the final in jeopardy, particularly after their disappointing eight-wicket loss against England.
England, meanwhile, languishes in sixth place with a points percentage of 42.50%, already eliminated from contention for the WTC final.
Both teams were found to be three overs short of their bowling target, leading to the penalties being enforced. As per this Championship regulations, teams lose one point for every over they fall behind, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the required pace during matches.
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The ruling was made by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, alongside third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton. The respective captains, Tom Latham for New Zealand and Ben Stokes for England, accepted responsibility for their teams’ slow over-rates.
As the World Test Championship progresses, the top two positions are presently occupied by India and South Africa, with Australia and Sri Lanka following closely behind. With 15 Tests still remaining in the current WTC cycle, the competition remains fierce, and no team can be considered assured of a top-two finish just yet.
New Zealand’s recent performance, particularly their lackluster fielding in Christchurch, has severely impacted their aspirations for a second consecutive WTC final appearance.