Pakistan Fined For Maintaining Slow Over-Rate Against New Zealand

Pakistan players have been fined 10 percent of their match fee following their victory against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2023. The International Cricket Council (ICC) fined Pakistan for maintaining a slow over-rate during their recent match in the tournament.

The Babar Azam-led team defeated New Zealand by 21 runs via Duckworth Lewis (DLS) methods at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 4. Pakistan registered two consecutive victories in the World Cup after suffering four back-to-back losses.

Pakistan Player Fined 10 Percent Fine On Match Fee

The Pakistan cricket team was penalized for being two overs short during New Zealand’s innings in Bengaluru. The charges were imposed by on-field umpires Paul Wilson and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Richard Illingworth, and fourth umpire Joel Wilson.

Richie Richardson, an official from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, imposed the penalty. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was found guilty of the offense and accepted the proposed sanction. So there was no necessity for a formal hearing for the penalty.

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

We’re Just Going Match By Match – Babar Azam

Speaking after the match, Babar Azam emphasized the importance of building solid partnerships and encouraged Fakhar Zaman to play a key role in the team. Babar highlighted their commitment to giving their best, taking it one match at a time.

“When we came to the dressing room, just passed message we need good partnerships. Said to Fakhar if he plays 15 overs we’ll be ahead. Back of the mind we knew rain was coming. Full credit to Fakhar. We knew there was a short boundary and utilised it. We’re just trying to give 100 percent. You never know. We’re just going match by match,” Babar said.

Pakistan’s victory keeps them in contention for a semi-final spot. With four wins and four losses, Pakistan is currently fifth on the points table. They will take on England in their final league match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, November 11.

ALso read: NZ vs PAK: “Babar Azam Doesn’t Have The Ability That Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Have” – Mohammad Kaif