Pakistan fined for slow over-rate in Auckland ODI

Lahore: Pakistan has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate in the third and final ODI in Auckland, which New Zealand won by three wickets on Sunday.

David Boon of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Azhar Ali’s side was ruled to be one over short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Azhar has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 10 per cent fines. If Pakistan commits another minor over-rate breach in ODIs within 12 months of this offence with Azhar as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by Azhar and he will face a suspension.

Azhar pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Billy Bowden and Nigel Llong, third umpire Bruce Oxenford and fourth umpire Derek Walker.