The Pakistan cricket team was fined 25% of their match fee and lost five points in the World Test Championship due to a slow over-rate in their last Test against South Africa, which they lost by 10 wickets, concluding the series 0-2. The penalties were enforced as per ICC rules, with captain Shan Masood accepting responsibility.
The Pakistan cricket team has faced penalties following their defeat in the second Test match against South Africa, which concluded their two-match Test series with a 0-2 loss. In accordance with the ICC’s regulations, the team was fined 25 percent of their match fee due to a slow over-rate during the final match played at Newlands, Cape Town. Additionally, they have had five points deducted from their World Test Championship (WTC) total, as they were judged to have fallen short by five overs, taking time allowances into consideration.
The penalties were imposed after Pakistan’s 10-wicket loss to South Africa. Per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players incur a 5 percent fine for each over not bowled within the allocated time. Further, the deduction of WTC points aligns with Article 16.11.2, stipulating that for every over a side is short, one point is deducted.
The enforcing umpires included Kumar Dharmasena, Nitin Menon, third official Alex Wharf, and fourth umpire Stephen Harris, with Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referee overseeing the sanctions. Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, accepted the penalties and admitted guilt concerning the offence.
Recapping the series’s conclusion, on Day 4 of the second Test, Pakistan started behind by 208 runs with nine wickets remaining. Masood, who remained unbeaten through Day 3, attempted to close the gap with support from the middle order. However, South Africa secured key wickets early in the final session as Keshav Maharaj bowled out critical players including Rizwan and Aamer Jamal. Ultimately, Pakistan set a modest target of 58 for South Africa, who achieved it with ease, losing no wickets in just over 40 minutes of play.
Ryan Rickelton was named Player of the Match due to his remarkable double century, contributing significantly to South Africa’s first innings score of 615 runs, while Pakistan was dismissed for a mere 194 runs in their first innings before following on.
The penalties imposed on the Pakistan cricket team arose from their inability to maintain the required over-rate during their match against South Africa. The ICC has strict guidelines regarding over-rates to ensure timely play in Test matches, and these penalties serve to uphold the integrity and pace of the game. Additionally, the loss of points in the World Test Championship can significantly affect a team’s standings and prospects in the tournament, adding further pressure to compliance with these regulations. This recent match serves as an example of the consequences teams face for not adhering to these critical playing standards.
In summary, the Pakistan cricket team’s slow over-rate during their final Test against South Africa resulted in a substantial penalty, impacting both their financial standing and their World Test Championship points. With the team acknowledging their responsibility, this incident reflects the importance of maintaining compliance with ICC regulations to avoid further penalties. Captured in a decisive match, the results showcased the challenges faced by Pakistan amidst South Africa’s strong performance, setting the stage for future improvements.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
