The England women's cricket team has been penalized for a slow over rate during their first T20I match against India on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The match, held in Nottingham, saw England fall short of the required over rate, resulting in a fine of 10% of their match fees.

According to the ICC, England was found to be two overs short of the target even after time allowances were considered. Helen Pack of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, imposed the sanction.

The penalty falls under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses minimum over-rate offenses. This rule stipulates that players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their team fails to bowl within the allotted time.

The on-field umpires Jacqueline Williams and James Middlebrook, along with third umpire Sue Redfern and fourth umpire Anna Harris, leveled the charge. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt accepted the charge and the proposed sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The over rate is the average number of overs bowled per hour by the bowling team in cricket. A minimum over rate is expected to be maintained by bowling sides in international cricket. According to Wikipedia, in T20Is, bowling sides are expected to bowl 20 overs in 1 hour and 25 minutes, which translates to a minimum over rate of 14.11 overs per hour. When calculating the over rate, allowances are made for wickets taken, drinks breaks, DRS reviews, and injuries. Failure to meet the minimum over rate can lead to penalties such as fines, point deductions, or even suspension for the captain.

This setback adds to England's woes after their 97-run defeat against India in the same match. India dominated the game, posting 210/5, propelled by a maiden T20I century from Smriti Mandhana. England, in response, were bowled out for 113. With this win, India leads the five-match T20I series 1-0.

England will aim to bounce back in the second T20I, scheduled for July 1 in Bristol.