A day after their loss to New Zealand in Hamilton in the second ODI, Pakistan were penalized by the ICC for a repeated offense.
Pakistan Penalized for Slow Over-Rate After ODI Loss to New Zealand
Pakistan’s struggles in ODI cricket continued as they found themselves 0-2 down in the three-match series against New Zealand. This came just a month after their embarrassing exit from the Champions Trophy at home. Following their defeat in the second ODI in Hamilton, Pakistan’s troubles were compounded when they were penalized by the ICC for maintaining a slow over-rate. Mohammad Rizwan’s team was fined five percent of their match fee for being one over short of the required target, factoring in the time allowances. As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, a fine is imposed for each instance a team falls short of the stipulated time for bowling.
Second Consecutive Offense and ICC Action
The fine was handed down by Jeff Crowe, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. The charge was brought forward by the on-field umpires Michael Gough and Wayne Knights, as well as third umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Chris Brown. Rizwan accepted the sanction without contest, meaning no formal hearing was necessary. This was the second consecutive occasion Pakistan had been charged with a slow over-rate offense. In the first ODI of the series, they were two overs short, contributing to their 73-run loss.
The third and final ODI will be held on Saturday in Mount Maunganui, with Pakistan aiming to salvage the series.