Pakistan’s troubles worsened after their 73-run loss to New Zealand in the first ODI, as the ICC slapped them with a 10 percent match fee fine for a slow over rate.
The team was found guilty of breaching Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, with captain Mohammad Rizwan admitting the mistake and accepted the penalty, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
The charge was imposed by on-field umpires Chris Brown and Paul Reiffel, with third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Wayne Knights officiating.
“Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, players are penalized five percent of their match fee for each over their side fails to bowl within the allotted time,” ICC said in a release.
Dramatic batting collapse
Chasing 345, Pakistan appeared in a strong position with Babar Azam anchoring the innings. However, his dismissal for 78 triggered a dramatic collapse, as the team crumbled from 249/3 to 271 all out – losing their last seven wickets for just 22 runs.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 344/9, powered by Mark Chapman’s brilliant 132 and Daryl Mitchell’s solid 76. New Zealand delivered a memorable performance to claim the big win in the tri-series opener.
While fifties from Williamson and Mitchell set the stage, it was Phillips who truly shone, tearing apart the Pakistani bowlers with an explosive display. Pakistan will now need a strong comeback to stay alive in the three-match ODI series.
The second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played on Wednesday, April 2 in Hamilton.
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Pakistan Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Khushdil Shah, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ben Sears, William ORourke.
