New Delhi [India], April 7: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized Pakistan for a slow over-rate during the third ODI against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui on Saturday. As per the official ICC release, Pakistan players have been fined five percent of their match fee for falling one over short of the required rate, factoring in time allowances.
The sanction was imposed by match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel after Mohammad Rizwan’s side was found guilty of the offence. In line with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, teams are fined five percent of their match fee for each over they fail to bowl within the stipulated time. Rizwan accepted the charge, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was levied by on-field umpires Chris Brown and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Michael Gough, and fourth umpire Wayne Knights.
The penalty added to a disappointing outing for Pakistan, as they suffered a 43-run defeat in the third and final ODI at Bay Oval. The match, shortened to 42 overs per side due to a wet outfield, saw New Zealand setting a target of 265, which Pakistan failed to chase down, ending their innings at 221 in 40 overs.
Despite notable performances from Babar Azam (50 off 58 balls), Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, and Tayyab Tahir — all contributing in the 30s — Pakistan couldn’t hold off the Kiwi bowling attack. Ben Sears starred once again, grabbing his second consecutive five-wicket haul (5/34), while Michael Bracewell, with a crucial fifty and a wicket, earned the Player of the Match award.
With this win, New Zealand sealed a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series, showcasing dominance across all matches.
Pakistan Squad: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Akif Javed, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Irfan Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali.