SA vs PAK: Pakistan handed five WTC points penalty for slow over-rate in 2nd test, all players fined 25 percent

Pakistan lost the two-test series 0-2 in South Africa.

The Pakistan cricket team have been docked five ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points as the ICC has penalized them for slow over-rate during the second test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Temba Bavuma’s side defeated Shan Masood’s unit by 2-0 in the two-test series that was played in Centurion and Cape Town and sealed their place in the ICC WTC 2023-25 final, where they will meet Australia at Lord’s in June.

The second test at Newlands saw the hosts record a victory by 10 wickets after piling up 615 runs in their first innings with Ryan Rickelton scoring 259 and Bavuma and Verreynne slamming centuries.

Pakistan were bowled out for 194 in their first innings and South Africa enforced the follow-on. In their second innings, Pakistan fared better, scoring 478 runs through captain Masood’s ton but managed to set a target of only 58 runs.

Shan Masood accepts charges after pleading guilty for slow over-rate

The umpires and the match referee found Pakistan five overs short of the mark with time allowances taken into consideration. Thus, the Asian side was handed a penalty of five WTC points. Further, all players were fined 25 percent of their match fees.

The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon, third umpire Alex Wharf and fourth umpire Stephen Harris, while match referee Richie Richardson sanctioned the penalties.

Masood accepted the charges and pleaded guilty to the offence. Hence, a formal hearing was not required.

Pakistan and South Africa will meet again in February when the Men In Green hosts the Proteas and New Zealand for a short tri-series before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

After the Champions Trophy, South Africa will have a shot at an ICC title when they take on Pat Cummins’ side in the ICC WTC 2023-25 final.

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