SA vs PAK: Pakistan face another blow after 0-2 defeat in South Africa Tests

Pakistan have been fined 25 percent of their match fees and docked five points in the World Test Championship after the New Year's Test against South Africa at the Newlands in Cape Town.

In Short

• Pakistan lost the Newlands Test by 10 wickets
• Pakistan were penalised for slow over rate in the second Test
• Pakistan are placed ninth in the WTC points table

Pakistan cricketers have been fined 25 percent of their match fees for slow over-rate in the New Year’s Test against Temba Bavuma’s South Africa at the Newlands in Cape Town. Pakistan were also docked five points in their World Test Championship cycle after being found five overs short of the mark after taking into consideration their time allowances.

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Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon, the on-field umpires, Alex Wharf, the third umpire, and Stephen Harris, the fourth umpire, levied the charges. ICC Elite Panel of Match Referee Richie Richardson sanctioned the penalties. No official hearing was needed after Pakistan captain Shan Masood accepted the charges.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, relating to over-rate offences, players are fined five percent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Pakistan lost the Newlands Test by 10 wickets to lose the series 0-2.

Pakistan in more danger

Pakistan are currently placed ninth in the WTC table with 35 points and a point percentage of 24.31 thanks to wins in four out of 12 Tests. Pakistan are next scheduled to lock horns with the West Indies in a two-match Test series, starting Thursday, January 16 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Kraigg Brathwaite’s West Indies are the current cellar dwellers in the WTC table with a point percentage of 24.24. Hence, if Pakistan lose even one of their upcoming matches, they will be at the risk of finishing the WTC 2023-25 at the bottom of the bottom.

The second Test between Pakistan and West Indies starts on Friday, January 24 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Pakistan recently beat England 2-1 at home, but overall, they haven’t lived up to expectations in the World Test Championship.