‘Match bhi haar gaye, paise bhi cut gaye ab Australia kaise ghumenge’ – Fans react as Pakistan face hefty fines due to slow over rate

Pakistan were docked 2 points from the WTC and fined 10% of the match fees due to the slow over rate against Australia. The move came from the international cricket board following the slow progression of the game from Pakistan’s part in the first test against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth. It is a big loss for Pakistan, as such things can affect their chances in the ongoing cycle of the WTC.

Pakistan did not just lose the first test but also lost some points on offer. Avoiding defeat could have been really good for Pakistan. Even if it was out of their reach, proper disciplined bowling was essential, which is almost a bare minimum these days, but is not necessarily followed by the bowling sides. It can really hamper the chances of Pakistan in the upcoming days.

In the first cycle of the WTC, Australia missed the flight to Southampton due to their slow over-rate in the game against India at the Gabba in the fourth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. That is how costly things could get at the end. A fine of 10% of match fees and docking of 2 points from the WTC table seems a bit harsh but is probably the need of the hour.

Concerns over performance of Pakistan ahead of the Second Test

Pakistan was dismissed for just 89 runs in their recent outing against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth. The shambolic performance from the batters meant that Australia raced away to their first win of the series. Ahead of the second Test, which will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the boxing day, there are concerns over Pakistan’s batting.

Their batters have not looked as fluent as they should have. Some of their batters, particularly the openers, were slow throughout their stay in the middle in the first innings. In the second innings, Pakistan did not apply themselves with the bat and handed an easy win to the home side. Fans would be hoping for a better performance from the visiting side.

Here’s how the fans reacted to it –