Pakistan penalised five percent match fee for slow over-rate in second ODI against NZ

IANS April 3, 2025 171 views

Pakistan continues to struggle in New Zealand, losing the second ODI and facing a match fee penalty for slow over-rate. The match saw Mitchell Hay nearly scoring a century and Ben Sears delivering an outstanding bowling performance. Team captain Rizwan admitted to the over-rate violation, accepting the automatic five percent match fee fine. The series outcome looks bleak for Pakistan, who previously lost the T20I series 4-1 and are now trailing in the ODI competition.

"Skipper Rizwan pleaded guilty to the offence" - ICC Statement
New Delhi, April 3: Pakistan have been penalised five percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the second ODI held at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Key Points

1

Pakistan loses second ODI by 84 runs to New Zealand

2

Mitchell Hay scores unbeaten 99 in crucial match

3

Ben Sears takes career-best 5-59 bowling figures

4

Third ODI scheduled for April 5

The visitors were previously fined ten percent of their match fee for the same slow over-rate offence in the ODI series opener, which they lost by 73 runs to the Black Caps at McLean Park in Napier.

Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Pakistan was found to be one over short of the target after the time allowances were taken into consideration in the second ODI, which the visitors lost by 84 runs to give New Zealand a series win at home.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which governs minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five percent of their match fees for each over their team falls short of bowling in the stipulated time.

“Skipper Rizwan pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Michael Gough and Wayne Knights, along with third umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Chris Brown,” said the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a statement on Thursday.

In that match, Mitchell Hay scored a career-best 99 not out to help New Zealand post 292/8 in the 50 overs of their first innings. In reply, pacer Ben Sears led New Zealand’s charge with the ball by picking career-best figures of 5-59 to help the hosts’ bowl out Pakistan for 208.

The third ODI between the two sides is scheduled to be held on April 5 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Pakistan had previously lost the five-match T20I series in New Zealand by 4-1.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
This is getting ridiculous now! Two matches in a row with slow over rates? Pakistan really needs to work on their time management. It's not fair to the fans who pay to watch complete matches. 🏏
A
Ali R.
Mitchell Hay was on fire with that 99*! Shame about the over rate issues, but NZ completely outplayed Pakistan this series. That Sears bowling performance was 🔥
J
James T.
While I understand the frustration with slow over rates, I think the penalties are too light. 5% match fee doesn't seem like enough deterrent when teams keep repeating this offense.
P
Priya M.
At least Rizwan owned up to it and accepted the sanction without dragging it out. Shows good sportsmanship even in difficult circumstances. Hope they can bounce back in the next match!
M
Mike D.
The real story here is NZ's dominance - T20 series 4-1 and now sealing the ODI series. Pakistan needs to seriously rethink their approach in overseas conditions.
F
Fatima Z.
So disappointing to see our team struggle like this. The bowling attack especially needs to step up - both in performance and maintaining the over rate. Come on boys, we know you can do better! 💚

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Pakistan Cricket New Zealand Cricket ICC Penalty ODI Series Rizwan Mitchell Hay Ben Sears
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