Pakistan national cricket team on Sunday faced a 10 per cent fine from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their slow-over rate during the 35th match of the ICC World Cup in Bengaluru against New Zealand, which took place on Saturday.

Richie Richardson, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, imposed this penalty after Babar Azam's team was found to be two overs behind the required rate, even after accounting for time allowances.

This action is in line with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, specifically addressing minimum over-rate offenses. According to this article, players are fined five percent of their match fee if their team fails to bowl within the allotted time. Babar Azam admitted to the offence and agreed to the proposed fine, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge was filed by the on-field umpires, Paul Wilson and Richard Kettleborough, along with third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Joel Wilson.

– Fakhar shines –

Fakhar Zaman's spectacular innings of 126 from 81 balls, coupled with Babar Azam's stellar performance, propelled Pakistan to a hard-fought 21-run victory (DLS method) over New Zealand in the 35th match of the World Cup, held in Bengaluru on Saturday.

As Pakistan's World Cup campaign unfolds, their best-case scenario now hinges on a crucial victory against England, coupled with an element of fortune—hoping that Sri Lanka can pull off a significant upset by defeating New Zealand on November 9 in Bengaluru.

However, the tournament still offers a glimmer of mathematical possibility for Afghanistan to secure 12 points if they manage to win both of their remaining games.

Even the task of winning one out of their two remaining matches, no matter how daunting it may appear, would propel Afghanistan to 10 points. In such a scenario, the fate of Pakistan and Afghanistan's progression would be determined by a net run rate showdown.