Dec. 29 (ICC) - India have been penalised for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion.

Rohit Sharma's side has been docked two crucial ICC World Test Championship points in the opening Test against South Africa for bowling two overs short and has also been fined 10% of their match fee.

Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after India were ruled to be two overs short of the target.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, the players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

After the Test loss, India found themselves at No.5 with 16 points from three Tests and a points percentage of 44.44. However, the deduction of points for the slow-over rate further weakens India's position in the standings, causing them to slip below Australia to No.6, with 14 points and a points percentage of 38.89.

India lost the opening Test of the two-match series by an innings and 32 runs. In the first outing with the bat, the tourists put up 245 courtesy of a resilient KL Rahul century. However, South Africa responded strongly with Dean Elgar, who will be retiring after this series, crafting a brilliant 185.

David Bedingham (56) and Marco Jansen (84) contributed with important fifties as the hosts registered a strong first-innings total of 408. India struggled in their second innings, getting bowled out for 131, with Virat Kohli top-scoring at 76.