South Africa fined for minimum over-rate in first ODI against Pakistan

South Africa has been fined 20 percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against Pakistan in their first ODI held on Friday. Andrew Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after South Africa was one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offenses, players are fined 20 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Captain, Temba Bavuma pleaded guilty to the offense and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. Umpires Marais Erasmus, Adrian Holdstock, Allahudien Paleker, and Bongani Jele leveled the charge.

Pakistan edge out South Africa in a thrilling clash

The Pakistan side drew first blood in the three-match ODI series against the Proteas. Batting first, the South African side posted a total of 273/6 on the board, with Rassie Van Der Dussen scoring a scintillating 123* off 134 deliveries. David Miller too, chipped in with a handy half-century to help his side past the 250-run mark. However, it was the Babar Azam special that allowed Pakistan to go past the finish line. The right-hander scored a splendid 104-ball 103 to steer Pakistan to a three-wicket victory.

Apart from Azam, bespectacled opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq also scored 70 at the top of the order for the visitors. For South Africa, it was Anrich Notrje who ripped through the Pakistani batting lineup and created some jitters for Babar Azam and his men. Nortje picked up 4 wickets, giving away 51 runs in his quota of 10 overs. But in the end, Mohammad Rizwan kept his nerve and scored a valuable 40 off 52 deliveries to keep South Africa at bay, as Pakistan won the match off the final delivery of their innings.

The second ODI between the two sides will be played on 4th April 2021 at Johannesburg. If the Babar Azam-led Pakistan side manages to win the second ODI, they will take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.