Afghanistan fined for slow over rate after innings loss in Harare Test

Dubai, October 23 (IANS). Afghanistan were fined for slow over rate after their innings defeat against Zimbabwe in Harare. Afghanistan were fined 25 percent of their match fee for slow over-rate in the Test that concluded in Harare on Wednesday. ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees Richie Richardson fined Afghanistan 25 per cent for bowling five overs short of the allotted time. According to Article 2.22 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Staff, players are fined five percent of their match fee for every over bowled by their team in the allotted time. According to the ICC statement, “Afghanistan was found guilty of bowling five overs less than the allotted time, taking into account the time limit. In accordance with Article 2.22, players are fined five percent of their match fee for each over bowled by their team in the allotted time.” Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi accepted responsibility for the crime and agreed to the proposed punishment, thereby avoiding the need for a formal trial. The allegations of the on-field umpires, Adrian Holdstock and Nitin Menon, were found correct by third umpire Forster Mutizwa and fourth umpire Percival Sijara. Afghanistan’s performance in Harare was very disappointing. The team had to face defeat by an innings and 73 runs. It was Zimbabwe’s first Test win at home since 2013. Batsman Ben Curran’s century and Richard Nagarava’s deadly bowling played an important role in Zimbabwe’s victory. This victory will boost Zimbabwe’s confidence in Test cricket. –IANS PAK Share this story Tags