Pakistan penalized for slow over-rate in first ODI against New Zealand

The International Cricket Council (ICC) warned Pakistan’s men’s cricket team on Tuesday for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand in Napier on Saturday.

Jeff Crowe, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, imposed the sanction after Pakistan was found to be two overs short of the required target, taking time allowances into consideration.

Under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers minimum over-rate offences, players are penalized five percent of their match fees for each over their side fails to bowl within the allotted time.

As Pakistan fell short by two overs, the team was fined 10 percent of their match fees.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, meaning there was no need for a formal hearing.

For context, Pakistan is trailing 0-1 in the ongoing ODI series after a tough 73-run defeat in the first match.

Batting first, New Zealand set a strong total of 344, thanks to a brilliant 132-run innings from Mark Chapman and a fiery 24-ball fifty from debutant Muhammad Abbas.

In response, Pakistan made a solid start, reaching 249-3 in the 39th over. However, they struggled to capitalize on the good position as wickets fell quickly. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 271.

The second ODI between the two teams will take place in Hamilton today, Wednesday, March 5.