- Pakistan fined 10% of match fees by ICC for slow over-rate against New Zealand.
- Captain Babar Azam accepted the fine, avoiding a formal hearing.
- Despite the off-field hiccup, Pakistan secured a crucial win via the DLS method, setting the stage for their upcoming clash with England.
Pakistan’s cricket team found themselves in hot water as they were slapped with a 10% fine of their match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for maintaining a sluggish over-rate during their face-off with New Zealand at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India, on November 4. Match Referee Richie Richardson delivered the verdict, citing that the Green Shirts were two overs behind schedule during the first innings, as stated in an ICC press release.
The penalty was in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers minimum over-rate violations. Players incur a 5% fine of their match fees for each over their team fails to complete within the stipulated time. Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, accepted the imposed fine from the ICC, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
The charge was raised by match referees Paul Wilson and Richard Kettleborough, with input from the third umpire, Richard Illingworth, and the fourth umpire, Joel Wilson.
Notably, despite the off-field hiccup, Pakistan managed to clinch a crucial victory over New Zealand, winning by 21 runs via the DLS method in a must-win match marred by frequent rain interruptions. The game was halted with Pakistan at 200-1 in 25.3 overs, with Fakhar Zaman (126*) and skipper Babar Azam (66*) at the crease.
Fakhar Zaman’s explosive batting propelled Pakistan to a DLS-adjusted lead after 25.3 overs, securing a hard-fought win. The stunning 194-run partnership between Azam and Fakhar proved to be the turning point, setting the stage for Pakistan’s upcoming clash with England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 11.
New Zealand, batting first, posted a formidable total of 401-6, the second-highest score in the ongoing competition, courtesy of contributions from Rachin Ravindra (108), Kane Williamson (95), and Glenn Phillips (41). Mark Chapman (39), Daryl Mitchell (29), and Mitchell Santner (26) also played their part.
The Black Caps are set to face Sri Lanka on November 9 at the same venue, and a victory in that encounter could complicate matters for Babar Azam’s side.
Also, see:
Qualification scenario for Pakistan after Pak vs NZ
