Pakistan’s WTC Crisis Deepens: 11 Points Docked and 50% Match Fee Fine After England Whitewash
For Pakistan, the problem is now bigger than a disappointing series. Pakistan's results in the WTC have raised questions about their consistency. The latest disciplinary penalty has made Pakistan's position in the competition more difficult.
Xtratime Webdesk: Pakistan's difficult run in Test cricket has taken another hit. Pakistan have been penalised for failing to maintain the required over rate during the third Test against England. The Pakistan players have been fined 50 per cent of their match fees, which is the maximum fine allowed under the over-rate rule. Pakistan have also been stripped of 11 World Test Championship points after falling 11 overs short of the required rate.
The points deduction could prove damaging for Pakistan, as they were already struggling in the WTC cycle. After the penalty, Pakistan have five points from nine matches. This leaves them at the bottom of the standings with a points percentage of 4.63.
The latest setback comes after a disastrous Test series in England. Pakistan lost all three matches, ending the series in a 3-0 whitewash. Pakistan could not find a way out of the campaign. England won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory in the second Test. England then completed the sweep with an eight-wicket win in Birmingham.
For Pakistan, the problem is now bigger than just a disappointing series. Their results in the WTC have raised serious questions about their consistency. The latest disciplinary penalty has made Pakistan's position in the competition even more difficult.
With just five points after nine Tests, Pakistan face a steep challenge if they want to revive their WTC campaign. Their next opportunity will come in November, when they are scheduled to play a two-Test home series against Sri Lanka. After the England whitewash, Pakistan have very little room for further mistakes. The focus will now be on whether Pakistan can turn their fortunes around before their WTC campaign slips even further away.
