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The Babar Azam-led Pakistan side revived their chances of qualifying for the World Cup 2023 semi-final on the back of a big-hitting menace in Fakhar Zaman. After a dominating win over New Zealand, Pakistan need to beat an out-form England by a massive margin in the last league game to reach the last four. But before the clash against England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed a penalty of 10 per cent match fee for maintaining a slow over rate.
On-field umpires Paul Wilson and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Joel Wilson levelled the charges which were imposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
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“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” the ICC said in a media release.
Pakistan were two overs short during New Zealand's innings and were hence handed a 10 per cent match fee. Babar did not contest the charges and there was no need for a formal hearing.
Zaman was the architect of the run chase. His unbeaten 81-ball 126 featured as many as 11 sixes and eight fours. He shared an unbeaten 194-run partnership for the second wicket with Babar. Pakistan were 200/1 after 25.3 overs when rain played spoilsport at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a massive total of 401/6 after Babar won the toss and opted to fielf first. Rachin Ravindra scored his third century of the tournament. Returning from a thumb injury, Kane Williamson scored 95 whereas handy contributions from Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner's contributions helped the Kiwis cross the 400-run mark.
Pakistan are currently placed fifth on the points table with four wins from eight games, the same as New Zealand but with an inferior net run rate (NRR). If New Zealand lose their next match against Sri Lanka, Pakistan's chances of reaching the semi-final will increase. Otherwise, they will need to beat England by a massive margin. Also, they will need Afghanistan to lose their next two matches against Australia and South Africa.
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