Hamilton: Pakistan’s cricket team, led by Mohammed Rizwan, has been penalized for maintaining a slow over-rate during the second One Day International (ODI) match against New Zealand. The match, held in Hamilton, saw the visiting team fined five percent of their match fee for falling one over short of the target after time allowances were considered.

The sanction was imposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are subject to fines for each over they fall short of bowling within the stipulated time.

Rizwan accepted the charge and the penalty, making a formal hearing unnecessary. The charge was brought by on-field umpires Michael Gough and Wayne Knights, with support from third umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Chris Brown.

This incident marks the second consecutive match where Pakistan has been fined for a slow over-rate. In their previous ODI in Napier, which Pakistan lost by 73 runs, the team was two overs short after time allowances were considered.

In the second ODI, Pakistan was defeated by 84 runs. New Zealand’s Mitchell Hay scored an unbeaten 99, helping the hosts post a total of 292/8. Ben Sears took five wickets for 59 runs, aiding in bowling out Pakistan for 208.

The series continues with the third ODI scheduled for Saturday, April 5, in Mount Maunganui.