Pakistan have been deducted two World Test Championship points and fined 10 per cent of their match fees after falling short of the minimum over rate in the first Test against Australia.
The tourists were found to be two overs short and a penalty was awarded by umpire Javagal Srinath as per ICC regulations.
The penalty caps off a tough week for Pakistan, who suffered a heavy defeat in Perth. Australia took a lead of 487 runs from David Warner for the first time in a century and defeated Pakistan by 271 runs. Australia then declared a high total for Pakistan and collapsed for 89 runs, losing by 360 runs.
This result extends Pakistan’s losing streak in Australia to 15, a record that dates back to the 20th century.
Pakistan’s WTC campaign got off to a strong start with a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka, but they have now slipped to second place behind India, who have taken the top spot.
Australia win the first Test.
Travel to Melbourne for the next match of the series#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/8IxMrpmeXi
– Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) 17. December 2023
The Australian expedition is likely to be Pakistan’s most difficult mission in the current WTC cycle. Two Tests in South Africa and a series against England at home will also be big challenges, but they will be hoping to get close to maximum points against West Indies in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Recently, penalties for excessive tariffs have been the subject of intense debate. The ICC has tested the stopwatch and imposed penalties in the ongoing West Indies vs England T20I series, while England, despite losing 2-0 in the Ashes A draw at 2 almost ended WTC’s hopes. This was an unprecedented 19 point deduction.
The second Test between Australia and Pakistan begins at the MCG on Boxing Day.
