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Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been slapped with a 50 per cent match fee fine and three demerit points for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I of the five-T20I series against New Zealand.
On March 16, Khushdil played the third ball of the eighth over towards mid-on. While running between the wickets, he bumped into Zak Foulkes. The kiwi bowler had his back turned towards Khushdil as he was watching the ball. Khusdhil's left shoulder hit Foulkes. Fortunately, there were no injuries. After the completion of over, the on-field umpire had a word with Khushdil.
This was the 30-year-old's first offence in a 24-month period. If he concedes one more demerit point in the next two years, he will face a supsension of either one Tests, two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first.
Khushdil prevents Pakistan registering their lowest T20I total
In the first T20I of the series, the left-handed batter was Pakistan's top run-scorer as they registered their lowest T20I score against New Zealand. He walked out to bat in the fifth over when Pakistan had lost four wickets for 11 runs. He got an early reprieve in the form of a dropped catch.
Khusdhil did not hit a four but three sixes including two consecutive against New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell. He was dismissed by pacer Jacob Duffy in the 13th over of the innings. The southpaw departed after scoring 32 runs from 30 balls. After Pakistan were bowled out for 91, New Zealand chased down the target with nine wickets in hand and 59 balls to spare.
Salman defends his team
"It was difficult, we weren't up to the mark, but we need to regather (ahead of Dunedin). They bowled really well, in great areas, there was a bit of seam movement as well. We will sit down, have a chat and think about the next game. We had three debutants, the more games they play, they'll learn more. The new ball does a bit in New Zealand, we've good bowlers and we'll look to do well in the next match," captain Agha Salman said in the post-match presentation.
