Pakistan suffer third consecutive over-rate fine amid 3-0 series loss in New Zealand

In yet another blow to an already demoralizing tour, the Pakistan cricket team has been penalized for maintaining a slow over-rate. This happened during the third ODI against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui. The fine, imposed by match referee Jeff Crowe, marks the team’s third such offence in succession during the series, resulting in a five percent deduction from each player’s match fee.

A series to forget for Pakistan

Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, faced a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of a second-string New Zealand side. In the final ODI, the Men in Green failed to chase down a modest target of 265, folding for just 221 runs and losing by 43 runs.

This latest defeat not only sealed a series sweep for the hosts but also intensified scrutiny on Pakistan’s on-field discipline and game management, particularly with regard to over-rates.

ICC confirms penalty under Code of Conduct

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the sanction under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The regulation fines players five percent of their match fees for every over their team fails to bowl within the stipulated time, after accounting for any allowances.

Pakistan was found to be one over short after all allowances were considered. The match officials responsible for the charge included on-field umpires Chris Brown and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Michael Gough, and fourth umpire Wayne Knights. Rizwan accepted the charge and the proposed sanction without contest.

Rizwan reflects on tactical misjudgment

After the series defeat, Mohammad Rizwan expressed his disappointment in the post-match press conference, admitting that Pakistan failed to capitalize on conditions that initially seemed to favor them.

“I think if you ask any team in the world what they would do on a wet, green pitch after winning the toss on a New Zealand morning before winter, they’d say the same,” Rizwan explained.

“We tried to survive the new-ball phase but didn’t apply ourselves well enough. New Zealand showed how to utilize early conditions better than we did. We didn’t make the most of the toss advantage.”

His comments hinted at both tactical errors and a lack of execution by the team in crucial situations.

Pakistan’s white-ball woes continue

The ODI series defeat follows a dismal T20I campaign in which Pakistan lost 4-1. The tour exposed glaring issues in Pakistan’s depth, composure under pressure, and strategic planning, with many calling for a reassessment of the team’s leadership structure and bowling combinations.

With Pakistan now heading into a crucial international calendar ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup cycle, the management faces pressing questions about team discipline and adaptability, particularly in overseas conditions.

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