Pakistan faced a double setback after losing the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 Test series to South Africa, as they were penalized for a slow over-rate in the second Test at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town.
The Pakistan cricket team was fined 25% of their match fee and docked five WTC points after falling five overs short of the required rate, factoring in time allowances.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the sanctions on Tuesday, January 7, with Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposing the penalties.
An ICC media release stated, “Pakistan has been fined 25 percent of their match fee and penalized five ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against South Africa in the second Test in Cape Town.”
According to ICC regulations, teams are fined 5% of their match fee for each over they fail to bowl within the allotted time. Additionally, one WTC point is deducted for every over short.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood accepted the sanction and admitted the offense, negating the need for a formal hearing. The charges were brought by umpires Kumar Dharmasena, Nitin Menon, Alex Wharf, and Stephen Harris.
Despite their penalty, Pakistan showed resilience in the second innings. Skipper Shan Masood scored 145, supported by Babar Azam’s 81, as Pakistan posted 478 after being bowled out for just 194 in the first innings.
However, Ryan Rickelton’s double century and Temba Bavuma’s ton had already given South Africa a commanding lead with their mammoth first-innings score of 615.
South Africa comfortably chased down a modest 58-run target in just 42 balls, securing a 10-wicket victory and completing a 2-0 series whitewash. This win also marked South Africa’s dominance, as they whitewashed Pakistan across all formats during the tour.
The result leaves Pakistan struggling in the WTC standings, with penalties further compounding their disappointment.