India's opening batter Pratika Rawal has been fined 10 percent of her match fees and also handed a demerit point for violating the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against England in Southampton on Wednesday (July 16). Chasing a modest target of 259, India got home with Deepti Sharma putting in a Player of the Match performance.
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Rawal, who scored a solid 36 off 51 balls to give India a steady opening stand with Smriti Mandhana, was found guilty of making 'avoidable physical contact' on two occasions during the Indian innings, once against Lauren Filer and then against Sophie Ecclestone. The first of the incidents happened in the 18th over of the innings when Rawal barged into Filer while attempting a single. Then, off the very next over, Rawal was dismissed by Ecclestone and shoulder barged England's lead spinner on her way back to the pavilion.
According to the ICC's Code of Conduct, Rawal was charged with a Level 1 breach, which translates to 'inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play'. The opening batter pleaded guilty to the charges laid against her. However, Rawal maintained that neither of the incidents was intentional from her. Ironically, England didn't seem too fazed by the two incidents, although it didn't escape the eye of the match referee.
"It [the collision with Filer] was not intentional; I was just running in my way," Rawal said ahead of the second ODI at Lord's*. "And the shoulder barge thing was also not deliberate. I don't think there is any reaction to it or any fuss about it."
Apart from the 48-run opening stand with Mandhana, Rawal also added a useful 46-run partnership for the second wicket with Harleen Deol to set the foundation for India's run chase. Apart from Rawal, England also copped for a team fine for operating at a slower over rate during the opening ODI.
