Pakistan, Bangladesh lose WTC points for slow over-rate
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized Pakistan and Bangladesh for maintaining a slow over-rate in the opening Test of held in Rawalpindi. The host team, Pakistan, fell short of six overs during the match and consequently lost six ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points. The ongoing series is part of the current WTC cycle. Meanwhile, Bangladesh were fined three points after they fell three overs short of the required rate.
ICC imposes fines on Pakistan and Bangladesh
In addition to the point deductions, financial penalties were also imposed on both teams. Pakistan was docked 30% of their match fee, while Bangladesh received a 15% penalty. The team captains, Shan Masood of Pakistan and Najmul Hossain Shanto of Bangladesh, pleaded guilty to the offenses and accepted the proposed sanctions, eliminating the need for formal hearings.
WTC standings affected by penalties
The penalties have impacted the teams' positions in the WTC standings as of now. Pakistan remain in eighth place, while Bangladesh have slipped to seventh position, falling behind South Africa due to the sanction. The two teams are set to face each other again in the 2nd Test, starting August 30 in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh stunned Pakistan in Rawalpindi
Pakistan captain Masood expressed his disappointment following the team's embarrassing 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the 1st Test in Rawalpindi. Bangladesh scripted history by recording their maiden Test win over Pakistan as they chased down a nominal 30-run target on Day 5. It was a high-scoring affair as Bangladesh posted 565 after Pakistan surprisingly declared their first innings at 448/6. The hosts struggled in the third innings and could only manage 146.
