As the first Test between New Zealand and England comes to an end, both teams have been fined a portion of their match fees and have also been penalized some crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points due to over-slow rate. .

While England are now out of contention for the bottom spot, New Zealand had a chance. However, the current points reduction is a blow to New Zealand and their chances of qualifying for next year’s final in June.

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New Zealand penalized with crucial WTC points

New Zealand now have a points percentage of 47.92 and can only go up to 55.36% even if they win the remaining Tests of the series against England. As a result, the Kiwis have fallen from fourth to fifth place in the standings.

Both teams have been fined 15 per cent of their match fees and penalized crucial WTC points. They now face the difficult task of qualifying for next year’s WTC final in June 2025.

They need to win the next two Tests against England at any cost if they are to reach the WTC final at Lord’s. Both teams were found to be three overs away from their target after their time was taken into account.

Both teams have been sanctioned.

Teams have been penalized one point for each over they have not reached. The respective captains Tom Latham and Ben Stokes accepted the offenses and pleaded guilty, so there was no need for any formal hearing.

The charges were filed by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire and fourth umpire. Match referee David Boon imposed the sanctions. Boon is also part of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

New Zealand had an excellent time recently by surprising India by defeating them 3-0 at home. With that victory, their chances of qualifying for the WTC final increased considerably. But recent sanctions have seriously affected its chances.

England beats New Zealand to take a 1-0 lead

Furthermore, the Kiwis even lost the first test of the series against England overwhelmingly. They were far from their best and simply couldn’t stay ahead of the game. The visiting England team recorded a resounding victory.

The only positive for the Kiwis was the form of Kane Williamson, who announced his return to form in spectacular fashion. Williamson had two and a half centuries in the match but still couldn’t take his team home.

Meanwhile, there was a no. of excellent knocks from England. Harry Brook smashed a brilliant hundred, while Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes also played vital knocks. Fast bowler Brydon Carse picked up 10 wickets in the match and also scored a crucial 33*.

The second test will be played from December 6 in Wellington and the home team will try to make a solid comeback.