Pakistan has been fined 5% of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate in their Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday.
Match referee Andy Pycroft from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel imposed the penalty after Pakistan, led by skipper Muhammad Rizwan, was found to be one over short of the required quota even after accounting for time allowances.
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As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are penalized 5% of their match fee per over when their team fails to complete the required overs within the allotted time. Rizwan accepted the charge and the subsequent sanction, negating the need for a formal hearing.
The charge was filed by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, along with third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Alex Wharf.
Earlier, in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, New Zealand secured a convincing victory over Pakistan.
The Blackcaps set a formidable target of 321, which Pakistan failed to chase despite some resistance from their middle order.
Pakistan’s innings started on a shaky note, with Saud Shakeel dismissed for 6 off 19 balls, followed by Muhammad Rizwan falling for just 3 after a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips. A brief revival came through Babar Azam (64 off 90) and Fakhar Zaman (24 off 41), who built a 47-run partnership. However, Fakhar’s dismissal in the next over shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
Salman Agha (42 off 28) and Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) fought back with late contributions, but New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner and Will O’Rourke, sealed Pakistan’s fate.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a strong total of 320/5 in their 50 overs, powered by a brilliant century from Will Young (107 off 113). Tom Latham remained unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls, while Glenn Phillips added a quick 61 off 39 balls to give New Zealand a strong finish.
Despite early setbacks, losing Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1), and Daryl Mitchell (10), New Zealand recovered through a crucial 118-run partnership between Young and Latham.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, managed to take two wickets each but struggled to contain the runs. Haris Rauf conceded 83 runs in his 10 overs, highlighting Pakistan’s struggles with the ball.
With this win, New Zealand secured two points and took the top spot in Group 1, while Pakistan dropped to fourth place behind Bangladesh and India, who are set to play their opening match in Dubai on Thursday.
