Gambhir and Rohit's WTC final hopes get major boost after NZ's costly mistake

India, after a demoralizing 0-3 defeat at home against New Zealand, appeared to be struggling to reach the summit clash. However, their fortunes have taken a turn for the better in recent days. Led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, India bounced back by thrashing Australia in Perth by a whopping 295 runs. This victory not only lifted their spirits but also boosted their points percentage to above 60 in the World Test Championship standings.

Regular captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir have received another shot in the arm after New Zealand was penalised for a slow over-rate in the first Test of the three-match series against England in Christchurch.

Both New Zealand and England have been fined for maintaining a slow over rate in the first Test. Both sides have been docked three WTC competition points. The Kiwis and the Three Lions have also been fined 15 per cent of their match fees.

Both Tom Latham and Ben Stokes pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction. On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton levelled the charges.

What does the rulebook say?

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short.

Earlier, New Zealand's chances of making it to the WTC final suffered a huge blow after the hosts faced an eight-wicket loss against England in Christchurch. The BlackCaps now need to win their remaining two Tests and hope for other results to go their way.

Coming back to India, Rohit Sharma and Co need to win the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 4-0 to make it to the WTC final without depending on other results.

Updated WTC standings:

India (PCT 61.11)

South Africa (PCT 59.25)

Australia (PCT 57.69)

Sri Lanka (PCT 50.00)

New Zealand (PCT 47.92)

England (PCT 42.50)

Pakistan (PCT 33.33)

West Indies (PCT 26.67)

Bangladesh (PCT 25.00)

Stay informed with the...