Hamilton, April 7, 2025: Pakistan’s cricket team has been fined once again for maintaining a slow over-rate, marking their third consecutive offence on the ongoing tour of New Zealand and the fourth in their last five One Day Internationals (ODIs).
In the third ODI held in Hamilton, Pakistan was found to be one over short of the required rate. As a result, the team has been fined 5% of their match fees, further compounding a disappointing tour in which they were whitewashed 3-0 in the ODI series and lost the T20I series 4-1.
This disciplinary action follows similar penalties in the opening ODI in Napier—where they fell short by two overs—and the second ODI, where they again failed to maintain the required over-rate. Pakistan were also fined during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand in Karachi, making it four infractions in recent matches.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan accepted responsibility for the offence. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Chris Brown and Paul Reiffel, with third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Wayne Knights involved. Match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the fine under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which penalises players for each over not completed within the stipulated time, considering all allowed allowances.
The final ODI in Mount Maunganui saw New Zealand post 264 for 8 in a rain-affected 42-overs-a-side match. Pakistan, in response, managed only 221 runs in 40 overs despite a fighting fifty from Babar Azam. Fast bowler Ben Sears was the standout performer for the hosts, claiming a five-wicket haul.
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, an off-field incident occurred during the third ODI, when all-rounder Khushdil Shah got into a verbal altercation with spectators. The disturbance led to the ejection of two individuals from the venue.
