England’s women’s cricket team was penalised for maintaining a slow over rate during the first T20I against India at Trent Bridge on June 28, 2025. After time allowances were considered, England were found to be two overs short of the required quota while bowling.
As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams are fined five percent of their match fee for every over not bowled within the allotted time. This meant England received a 10% match fee fine for the offence.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Jacqueline Williams and James Middlebrook, with support from third umpire Sue Redfern and fourth umpire Anna Harris. Helen Pack, a match referee from the Emirates ICC International Panel, imposed the sanction. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt accepted the charge and the proposed penalty, making a formal hearing unnecessary.
The penalty came after a difficult match for England. India, led by stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, posted a commanding total of 210 for 5, with Mandhana scoring her maiden T20I century—112 off just 62 balls. Harleen Deol provided valuable support with a quickfire 43, while England’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with only Lauren Bell making a notable impact by taking three wickets.
In reply, England’s chase collapsed early as they lost wickets in quick succession and never recovered, eventually being bowled out for 113 in 14.5 overs, suffering their heaviest defeat in T20Is by a margin of 97 runs. Nat Sciver-Brunt fought valiantly with a 66-run knock, but debutant Shree Charani’s 4 for 12 sealed England’s fate. India now leads the five-match series 1-0, with the next match scheduled for July 1 in Bristol.
With a dominant all-round display and disciplined bowling, India seized the early advantage in the 5-match T20I series. England will look to regroup quickly ahead of the second T20I in Bristol.
The five-match T20I series continues with the second game in Bristol on July 1, followed by matches at The Oval (July 4), Old Trafford (July 9), and Edgbaston (July 12).
After the T20Is, the teams will play three ODIs on July 16 (Southampton), July 19 (Lord’s), and July 22 (Chester-le-Street). This packed schedule gives both teams plenty of opportunities to test their squads and build momentum ahead of future international commitments.
