Bangladesh’s Historic Win Over Pakistan Marred by Slow Over Rate Penalties in WTC
Bangladesh celebrated their first-ever Test victory against Pakistan on August 25, securing a dominant 10-wicket win in Rawalpindi. However, both teams faced penalties for slow over rates, resulting in a loss of crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points.
In the series opener, Pakistan suffered a stunning collapse on the final day after the match seemed destined for a draw. Bangladesh, needing only 30 runs in the fourth innings, chased down the target comfortably in just 6.3 overs. Mushfiqur Rahim, enjoying a remarkable late-career resurgence, was the standout performer with a marathon 191 from 341 balls in Bangladesh’s first innings.
The day after their disappointing defeat, Pakistan’s woes continued as they were penalized six WTC points for being six overs short of the required over rate. This setback further dims their chances of making it to the WTC final for the 2023-2025 cycle. Pakistan currently sits eighth on the WTC table, with a points percentage (PCT) of 30.56 from six matches.
Pakistan’s decision to field an all-pace attack backfired on the placid Rawalpindi pitch, offering little assistance to the bowlers. Bangladesh piled up 565 runs in 167.3 overs in response to Pakistan’s 448-6. With no spin-bowling options other than Salman Agha, who bowled 42.3 overs without taking a wicket, Pakistan’s pacers bore the brunt of the workload, leading to the slow-over rate.
Bangladesh, despite their historic win, also faced a penalty, losing three WTC points for being three overs short. The tourists currently hold the sixth spot in the WTC standings with a PCT of 40 from five matches.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement confirming the penalties: “Hosts Pakistan were found to be six overs short during the Test and lost six World Test Championship points, while visitors Bangladesh – who recorded a 10-wicket triumph over their Asian rivals – were docked three points after being found three overs short of the acceptable rate.”
