Slow Over-Rates Cost Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi Test

The World Test Series campaigns of Pakistan and Bangladesh were dealt early blows after both teams were penalised for having maintained a slow over-rate during the first Test in Rawalpindi.

The host side, Pakistan, was also found to be six overs behind the required over-rate and has been docked six World Test Series points plus fined 30% of their match fees. Six overs short in the match, Bangladesh faced a three-point deduction from their World Test Series tally and a 15% fine.

These sanctions were imposed for the first time under the International Cricket Board's guidelines about minimum over-rates. Teams are penalised with a World Test Series point deduction for every over short, while players are fined 5% of their match fees for each over if their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Both captains, Shan Masood of Pakistan and Najmul Hossain Shanto of Bangladesh, pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanctions.

Further disciplinary action was taken against veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. He was fined 10% of his match fee and received a demerit point for an inappropriate throw towards Mohammad Rizwan of Pakistan in the second innings.

The on-field umpires - Richard Kettleborough, Adrian Holdstock, Michael Gough and Rashid Riaz - monitored the over-rate breaches, along with the case on Shakib's conduct breach.

These would have made for an early setback in the hopes of Pakistan and Bangladesh to make an impact in a new cycle of the World Test Championship.

The maintenance of a brisk over-rate is the ulterior point of the format, and these teams will have to tighten their operations across formats in the matches ahead.