Broad rubs salt into Pakistan's wounds by AFP

---

Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

---

DateLine: 18th March 2007

 

To add insult to the injury of being the first side to exit the 2007 Cricket World Cup 2007, Pakistan were fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during their stunning three-wicket loss to Ireland on Saturday at Sabina Park.

 

ICC match referee Chris Broad imposed the fines after Inzamam-ul-Haq's side was ruled to be four overs short of its target at the end of the match when time allowances were taken into consideration.

 

"With the shortfall being more than two overs, Inzamam, as captain, was automatically charged with a Level two Code of Conduct breach, clause 2.11," an ICC release said.

 

Inzamam pleaded not guilty to that charge, but Broad found him guilty in a hearing that took place after the match concluded.

 

"Inzamam was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for the breach - the minimum amount allowable for a Level 2 offence - as well as a further 40 per cent of his match fee for the shortfall."

 

The release noted that the latter fine was added because the captain is automatically fined 10 per cent of his match fee for every over his side fails to bowl in the time allocated.

 

The other members of the Pakistan side were each fined five per cent of their match fees for every over and so are 20 per cent out of pocket following the match.

 

The hearing was attended by Inzamam, Pakistan team manager Talat Ali, and the four umpires on duty for the match, on-field officials Brian Jerling and Billy Bowden, TV replay umpire Simon Taufel, and reserve official Ian Gould.

 

Ireland gave their compatriots a St. Patrick's Day to remember, when they completed a sensational victory under the Duckworth-Lewis Method to upset Pakistan and dash the dreams of the 1992 World Cup champions.

 

Chasing a revised target of 128 from 47 overs in gloomy conditions, Ireland held their nerve to hit the jackpot with 32 balls to spare, when captain Trent Johnson - fittingly - smashed Azhar Mahmood over long-on for six.

 

The Irish victory handed Pakistan their second straight defeat in the competition, following their 54-run loss to hosts West Indies in the World Cup opener last Tuesday at the same venue.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)