Another blow to Pakistan, ICC punishes Babar Azam's brigade for slow over rate during match against South Africa

Pakistan's misery in the ongoing World Cup 2023 doesn't seem to end anytime soon. Pakistan faced another setback after their narrow defeat at the hands of South Africa. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has slapped Babar Azam's brigade with a fine of 20 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over rate during their ODI World Cup match against South Africa on October 27, Friday. 

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Richie Richardson, a key figure from the esteemed Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, imposed the sanctions on Babar Azam's men as they were found lagging by four overs after time allowances were taken in consideration.

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.

Pakistan's skipper Babar acknowledged the sanctions and conceded to the proposed penalty. Consequently, the straightforward acceptance of the offence ensured that there was no requirement for an official hearing on the matter.

On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Richard Kettleborough leveled the charge.

Talking about the match, despite Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel's fifties Pakistan posted a modest total of 270, thanks to Tabraiz Shamsi's exceptional four-fer. Chasing 271 to win South Africa started well with Aiden Markram's brilliant 91-run knock. But the match then went down to the wire as South Africa found themselves in lurch at 260/9. However Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi held their nerves when the chips were down to take South Africa past the victory line. For the first time even in the World Cup history, Pakistan lost four matches in a row. This win also catapulted South Africa to top of the points table edging Team India.

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