The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized Pakistan for a slow over-rate during the second and final Test match against South Africa in Cape Town. Pakistan faced a significant 10-wicket loss in the match, which also resulted in further setbacks for the team.
As part of the penalty, Pakistan lost five crucial points in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Additionally, the players were fined 25% of their match fees. This punishment was issued because the team failed to complete the required number of overs within the allocated time, even after accounting for time allowances.
The on-field umpires, Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon, along with third umpire Alex Wharf and fourth umpire Stephen Harris, reported the slow over-rate. Richie Richardson, from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, reviewed the case and imposed the penalties.
Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan, admitted the team’s shortcoming and accepted the charges. Under ICC rules, players are fined 5% of their match fees for every over their side falls short of the required quota. In this instance, Pakistan was found to be five overs behind.
The penalty came after South Africa secured a dominant 10-wicket victory to complete a clean sweep in the two-match Test series. On Day 4 of the Cape Town Test, South Africa easily chased the 58-run target without losing a wicket after enforcing a follow-on. Pakistan had scored 478 runs in their second innings but could not avoid defeat.
This result has further highlighted Pakistan’s challenges in maintaining discipline and performance in Test cricket, particularly on foreign soil. The team will now need to focus on improving its strategies and ensuring compliance with ICC regulations to avoid similar setbacks in the future.
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