The Pakistan cricket team faced consequences for failing to maintain the required over-rate during their recent Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
Match referee Richie Richardson confirmed that Pakistan was five overs short of the target, resulting in a penalty of 25% of their match fees and the loss of five ICC World Test Championship points.
The penalty reflects the ICC’s strict enforcement of over-rate regulations to ensure smooth conduct during matches.
South Africa, meanwhile, secured a commanding ten-wicket victory over Pakistan, marking their seventh consecutive Test win and sealing their spot in the ICC World Test Championship final.
The match concluded in just two and a half days, despite Pakistan’s spirited resistance in the second innings.
After being asked to follow on with a 421-run deficit, Pakistan battled hard, with captain Shan Masood scoring a determined century and forming a 205-run opening stand with Babar Azam.
Contributions from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha further frustrated the South African bowlers, particularly during their 88-run partnership.
However, South Africa eventually broke through late in the day, with spinner Keshav Maharaj leading the charge.
Pakistan’s effort to overcome the second-highest first-innings deficit in Test history fell short, leaving South Africa with just 58 runs to chase, which they achieved in 7.1 overs.
