Pakistan cricket team fined 25% of their match fee and deducted 5 World Test Championship points following a slow over-rate during the second Test against South Africa, which they lost by 10 wickets. Captain Shan Masood accepted responsibility for the penalties, which were imposed according to ICC rules.
Following a disappointing outcome in the two-match Test series against South Africa, where Pakistan suffered a 0-2 defeat, the Pakistan cricket team has incurred a significant penalty. They have been fined 25 percent of their match fee for not maintaining the required over-rate during the final Test played at Newlands, Cape Town. Additionally, the team has faced a deduction of five points in the World Test Championship due to falling five overs short of the stipulated quota, even accounting for time allowances.
These penalties were imposed subsequent to Pakistan’s 10-wicket loss to South Africa in the second Test. According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams are subject to a five percent reduction of their match fee for each over bowled beyond the allocated time. The deduction of WTC points aligns with Article 16.11.2 of the ICC playing conditions, with one point being subtracted for each over short. The on-field umpires, Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon, along with third umpire Alex Wharf and fourth umpire Stephen Harris, were responsible for enforcing the penalties, which were authorized by Richie Richardson, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, acknowledged these infractions and accepted responsibility.
In an overview of the final Test, Pakistan entered Day 4 trailing by 208 runs with nine wickets in hand. Captain Shan Masood, who remained unbeaten overnight, sought to reduce South Africa’s lead, abetted by the middle order. However, South Africa claimed critical wickets early, including those of Khurram Shahzad and Kamran Ghulam. As the innings unfolded, Keshav Maharaj excelled for South Africa, securing key wickets as the Pakistan innings faltered, ultimately setting South Africa a modest target of 58 runs. David Bedingham, elevated to opener, efficiently chased down the target with an explosive 44 off just 30 balls, leading South Africa to a swift victory in just 43 balls without losing a wicket. The Player of the Match accolade went to Ryan Rickelton for his remarkable double century, which significantly contributed to South Africa’s first innings total of 615, while Pakistan struggled to post a mere 194 in their first outing and faced follow-on thereafter.
The penalties against the Pakistan cricket team arise from regulations designed to uphold the integrity and pace of the game. Over-rate refers to the requirement for teams to complete a minimum number of overs within a designated timeframe. The slow over-rate issue has consistently been a concern for cricketing authorities, leading to the implementation of stringent rules, including financial penalties and point deductions. These measures aim to ensure a timely and engaging match for spectators while maintaining the standard of play within competitive cricket.
In summary, the penalties imposed on the Pakistan cricket team for a slow over-rate during their final Test against South Africa highlight the importance of adhering to established guidelines in cricket. By facing a forfeiture of both match fees and World Test Championship points, the team is reminded of the necessity of maintaining pace in the game. This series of events serves as a critical learning moment for the team as they aim to improve their performance and compliance in future matches.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
