Pakistan sanctioned for slow over-rate in first New Zealand ODI

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday, reprimanded the Pakistan men’s cricket team for maintaining a slow over-rate during the opening ODI of their three-match series against New Zealand.

According to the ICC, match referee Jeff Crowe from the Elite Panel imposed the sanction after Pakistan fell two overs short of the required target, even after considering time allowances.

Under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for each over their side fails to complete in the stipulated time.

Given that Pakistan were two overs behind, the team has been handed a 10 per cent match fee deduction.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, accepted the charges and penalties, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

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It’s worth noting that after a disappointing 4-1 loss in the T20I series, Pakistan stumbled in the ODI opener as well, suffering a 73-run defeat.

New Zealand, batting first, posted a daunting total of 344, powered by Mark Chapman’s 132 and a rapid 24-ball fifty from debutant Muhammad Abbas.

In response, Pakistan made a strong start and reached 249-3 in the 39th over. However, a sudden collapse saw them crumble to 271 all out, missing out on what once seemed like a competitive chase.

The second ODI of the series is set to take place in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Pakistan Squad for Second ODI Against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf.

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