Pakistan penalised for slow over-rate in South Africa defeat

Pakistan have been penalised for a slow over-rate during their 10-wicket defeat in the second Test at the hands of South Africa in Cape Town. In addition to being deducted five World Test Championship (WTC) points, the team has been fined 25% of their match fee. 

Match referee Richie Richardson deemed Pakistan were five overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. 

According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, five World Test Championship points have been deducted from Pakistan’s points total.

Pakistan are eighth in the WTC standings with a PCT of 24.31, just above West Indies whose PCT stands at 24.24. 

Pakistan came close in the first Test but ended up succumbing to a two-wicket loss in Centurion. They did well to bounce back in the second Test after being asked to follow on. But in the end, the Proteas got over the line easily and, in the process, also qualified for the WTC final for the first time.

(With inputs from ICC media release)