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Zimbabwe's Slow Over Rate Costs Big; Raza Slapped With A Fine After 3rd T20I Vs Afghanistan

Poulomi Chakraborty

Rashid Khan and Sikandar Raza during the toss (Source: @AfghanAtlan1/x.com)Rashid Khan and Sikandar Raza during the toss (Source: @AfghanAtlan1/x.com)

The thrilling T20I series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe has been wrapped up, but it was not the ending Sikandar Raza’s side hoped for. Adding more to their heartbreak, the entire team was slapped with a 10% fine on their match fees due to maintaining a slow over rate in the last game.

Zimbabwe fell two overs short of the target, even after factoring in time allowance, leaving them in trouble following the final match.

Zimbabwe’s 10% Fine On Match Fees

The recently ended T20I series was a troubling one for the Zimbabwe side. After winning the first game, they faced two consecutive games and lost the series. Along with that, that 10% fine added more trouble.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, teams failing to meet the minimum over-rate, face penalties. For every over not bowled in the given time, players will face a 5% fine on their match fees. In this case, Zimbabwe was 2 overs behind in the scheduled time and the players faced a 10% fine on their match fees.

The sanction was handed down by Andy Pycroft from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. After the mishap, Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza admitted to the offense and accepted the penalty.

Afghanistan’s Dominating Win In The Third T20I

After losing the first match of the T20I series, Afghanistan made a remarkable comeback. The Harare crowd witnessed a thrilling showdown in the third T20I. While bowling first, the Afghan bowlers thrived on the pitch. Skipper Rashid Khan led the team from the front and secured an exceptional 4-wicket haul. Along with that, Naveen ul Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai’s dazzling performances helped the team bundle out Zimbabwe in 127 runs.

Afghanistan’s chase got off to a rocky start, with quick wickets putting them on the back foot. But Azmatullah Omarzai stepped up with a crucial 34-run knock. Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi added 22 and 24 runs. With three balls to spare, Afghanistan crossed the winning line, clinching the series with a 2-1 margin.