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3 matches, 3 fines, 0 wins: Pakistan fined thrice in 10 days for being consistently slow — that’s talent

The Pakistan cricket team has been fined thrice in 10 days by the ICC for slow over-rate during the ODI series against New Zealand. The Pakistanis lost the ODI series 0-3 and had a spot of bother with the crowd, feat Khushdil Shah.

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Pakistan

By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

The Pakistan cricket team has been penalised by the ICC for the third time in 10 days — for the exact same reason as in the first two matches of the 3-match ODI series against New Zealand.

The Pakistan team, captained by Mohammed Rizwan, was fined 5% of their match fee for slow over-rate against New Zealand in the final ODI at Mount Maunganui on April 5. They were also penalised for over-rate violations in the first ODI on March 29 and the second on April 2.

Yes, three matches, three over-rate offences, and one very consistent performance: running late in completing their overs.

After achieving such a rare cricketing hat-trick in New Zealand, Pakistan has unlocked a rare double consistency — not just in losing back-to-back matches across formats, but also in getting fined for slow over-rates. Whether it’s T20Is, ODIs or Tests, they’re dropping games and running late, both with equal dedication.

While their opponents were finishing matches early, Pakistan was finishing overs late — a classic case of bad timing on and off the field.

Following a humiliating 0-3 whitewash in the ODI series and a 1-4 defeat in the T20Is, Pakistan’s latest headache comes in the form of repeated fines. The ICC confirmed on Monday that Pakistan have been docked 5% of their match fee for falling short by one over in the third ODI at Mount Maunganui.

ICC match referee Jeff Crowe slapped a 5% fine on the team’s match fee after they came up one over short — again. This was under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, aka the “Stop Wasting Time” clause. As per ICC rules, players are fined 5% of their match fee per missing over, considering time allowances.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan accepted the charge with lightning speed, faster than his team could bowl 50 overs.

Series of setbacks: poor form and off-field issues

The penalties are adding insult to injury of Pakistan’s nightmare tour of New Zealand. After failing to progress beyond the group stage in the Champions Trophy as hosts, the team managed just one win across eight matches in New Zealand — adding to their growing woes in white-ball cricket.

In the final ODI, Michael Bracewell and Rhys Mariu scored half-centuries to guide New Zealand to 264/8 in just 42 overs (cut short due to rain). Pakistan, in reply, were bowled out for 221 as pacer Ben Sears took his second consecutive five-wicket haul, sealing a 43-run victory for the hosts and a clean sweep of the series.

This marked Pakistan’s sixth straight ODI loss to New Zealand — an alarming streak ahead of key international fixtures.

Bonus drama: Khushdil Shah vs the crowd

In a dramatic twist, all-rounder Shah almost climbed the fence to confront a couple of hecklers with security personnel intervening before he went full WWE.

The PCB later clarified that two spectators (apparently from Afghanistan) had hurled abuses in Pashto, and they were removed from the ground. Cricket fans, a reminder: heckling doesn’t make you clever — it just makes security work overtime.

Heckling aside, it is the PCB’s headache now to get the team back into some shape and overcome this horrible patch.

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Hardik Pandya calls selflessness his biggest USP after match-winning knock vs South Africa

Hardik Pandya’s blistering half-century and his emphasis on team-first cricket shaped India’s dominant win over South Africa in the first T20I in Cuttack.

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Hardik Pandya delivered a clinical all-round performance as India secured a dominant win over South Africa in the first T20I in Cuttack. His unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls not only revived India’s innings but also earned him the Player of the Match award. Speaking after the victory, Pandya said his ability to put the team’s needs above everything else remains his strongest asset.

Pandya reflects on his explosive knock and mindset

Walking in at a tense moment, Pandya counterattacked with calculated aggression, helping India post 175/6 — a total that eventually proved far beyond South Africa’s reach. He said adapting to the pitch quickly and trusting his game was key.

“I had to back my shots. I realised the wicket had a bit of spice. It was more about timing the ball, not breaking the ball,” Pandya said. He added that he was satisfied with how he paced his innings.

Pandya, who has spent the past several months working on his fitness, described the performance as personally rewarding. “These last 50 days, being away from loved ones, being at NCA, making sure that all these things are covered… it was satisfying when the results come like this,” he said.

‘What India wants, not what Hardik Pandya wants’

Pandya stressed that his biggest strength lies in being flexible and team-centric.
“As a cricketer, I have never been fussy about what roles I have. It doesn’t matter what Hardik Pandya wants, it is about what India wants. That is my biggest USP and that is what has helped me,” he stated.

He also explained the approach behind attacking spinner Keshav Maharaj, saying he simply capitalised when the ball entered his hitting zone.

India dominate with ball to seal 1-0 lead

India’s total, built by crucial contributions from Tilak Varma (26), Axar Patel (23) and Pandya’s late flourish, proved more than enough. Lungi Ngidi picked three wickets for South Africa, while Lutho Sipamla claimed two.

South Africa faltered early in the chase and were bowled out for 74 in 12.3 overs, with Dewald Brevis offering the only brief resistance. India’s bowlers — Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel — all picked two wickets each, while Pandya and Shivam Dube took one apiece.

With leadership presence and batting brilliance, Pandya played a defining role in giving India a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series.

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Prasidh Krishna’s four-wicket burst leads India’s fightback as South Africa bowled out for 270 in Visakhapatnam

Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav scripted a strong bowling comeback for India, bundling out South Africa for 270 despite Quinton de Kock’s 106 in the third ODI.

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India produced a strong bowling comeback in the third ODI at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, restricting South Africa to 270 after the visitors looked set for a much bigger total. Pacer Prasidh Krishna and spinner Kuldeep Yadav shared four wickets each, dismantling the Proteas’ middle and lower order. India now need 271 to win the match and clinch the series.

Prasidh Krishna triggers collapse after early struggle

Despite being hit for three sixes in his first two overs, Prasidh Krishna responded remarkably in his second spell. Backed strongly by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain KL Rahul, the pacer removed Matthew Breetzke and Aiden Markram in the same over before dismissing centurion Quinton de Kock, who top-scored with a fluent 106. He later bowled Ottneil Baartman to finish with figures of 4/66.

His timely breakthroughs halted a South African surge that once appeared to be heading toward 350.

Kuldeep Yadav shines again with lower-order demolition

Kuldeep Yadav’s spell proved decisive in the final phase of the innings. The left-arm wrist-spinner dismantled the lower middle order, dismissing Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Lungi Ngidi to return impressive figures of 4/41.

His tight overs, combined with pressure created by Ravindra Jadeja, ensured the visitors were unable to accelerate at the death.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli stand out in the field

India’s fielding was sharp, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli taking key catches and saving crucial runs. A sharp catch from Rohit and several athletic efforts kept the South African batters in check.

South Africa lose steam despite de Kock’s century

Quinton de Kock’s 106 kept the Proteas afloat early in the innings, but the team collapsed after his dismissal. From a dominant position, South Africa slipped to 270 all out in 47.5 overs, leaving the door open for India to take control of the series.

India must chase successfully to avoid a second straight ODI series defeat.

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Ravi Shastri warns critics against messing around with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Ravi Shastri has cautioned critics and certain individuals against creating hurdles for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, calling them “ODI giants” who deserve unwavering backing from selectors and management.

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Ravi Shashtri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a strong and direct warning to those questioning or undermining the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI setup. His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the duo’s future, especially regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup plans.

Shastri, who shares a long professional and personal equation with both stalwarts, made his views clear during an interview, saying that critics and certain individuals should refrain from creating unnecessary trouble around two of India’s most accomplished white-ball players.

‘Don’t mess around with Kohli and Rohit’: Shastri

Shastri emphasised that Kohli and Rohit remain giants of ODI cricket and deserve respect, not interference. Without naming anyone, he hinted at individuals who are allegedly trying to complicate things for the pair.

He said the two senior batters have earned their stature over years of consistency and match-winning performances, and warned that if they decide to “switch on” completely, those attempting to disrupt their journey would be sidelined swiftly.

Debate over 2027 ODI World Cup participation

Shastri’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about whether both players should continue in the ODI format. Critics argue that their time away from domestic cricket could affect their World Cup chances.

Rohit Sharma has agreed to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in rhythm as per BCCI guidelines. Virat Kohli initially declined a return to domestic one-day cricket but eventually reconsidered after persuasion from selectors.

A message for selectors and team management

Shastri’s comments are widely seen as a firm reminder to the current selection committee and team management to support proven performers instead of adding pressure. His warning, delivered in his typical candid style, signals his unwavering backing for the senior pros.

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