England and New Zealand were fined 15% of their match fees and penalised three World Test Championship points each for slow over-rates in the first test at Christchurch, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday.

The International Cricket Council has deducted crucial World Test Championship points of England and New Zealand for slow-over rate during the first Test in Christchurch. The deduction hits a blow to New Zealand's hopes of qualifying for the WTC final.

New Zealand's World Test Championship final hopes were dented after the ICC deducted points for slow over-rate in the first Test against England, dropping them to fifth in the standings.

The penalty meant that New Zealand, who won the inaugural WTC, dropped from fourth to fifth on the WTC table and their chances of making the final next year has taken a further hi

England and New Zealand lose World Test Championship points for slow over rates - Respective captains Ben Stokes and Tom Latham pleaded guilty to the offence.

New Zealand and England have been sanctioned for maintaining a slow over-rate during the opening Test of their series in Christchurch. Both teams were fined 15 per cent of their match fees and penalised three crucial World Test Championship (WTC) competition points,