Pakistan's struggling campaign in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup faced another setback as the team was penalised for a slow over-rate in their recent match against South Africa.
The Men in Green was found to be four overs short during South Africa's batting innings in Chennai and was imposed a 20 per cent fine on their match fee.
According to the ICC Code of Conduct, players will be fined five per cent of their match fee for each over that isn't bowled within the allocated time.
On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Paul Reiffel, along with third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Richard Kettleborough, issued the charge following Pakistan's loss to South Africa. Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, accepted the penalty.
Pakistan's loss in Chennai signifies that they have now suffered four consecutive defeats, marking a new nadir for them in the World Cups. Having secured only two wins in six matches, they are on the brink of elimination from the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the crucial win saw the Proteas jumping to the first position in the points table with a handsome 2.032 net run rate (NRR).
Temba Bavuma and his men had a few hiccups during the chase of 271 but Aiden Markram's impressive knock of 91 pushed them close to the finish line.
Pakistan got close to winning the match courtesy of a brilliant performance by their pace attack in the later stages of the match as they needed just a wicket off 11 runs but Keshav Maharaj held his nerves and stood till the last minute, eventually scoring the winning shot, sealing the deal for the Proteas.
Pakistan’s remaining ICC World Cup 2023 matches
October 31 - vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 4 - vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
November 11 - vs England in Kolkata