The Champions Trophy opener is hurting the Pakistan team in multiple ways. Now, it has been handed a 5% match fee fine for maintaining a slow over rate. According to the International Cricket Council, on February 19, at the Karachi Stadium, Pakistan was running one over shorter. The error was figured out by the associated on-field umpires, Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Joel Wilson, and fourth umpire Alex Wharf. Even though they noted the over-rate violations, the sanction on Pakistan was imposed by the match referee, Andy Pycroft. The Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted to the charge, eliminating the necessity for a follow-up hearing. According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Support Personnel, teams are required to meet the minimum over-rate standards. If a team fails to bowl the required overs within the allotted time, players face a five percent deduction from their match fees for each over they fall short. Maintaining an adequate over-rate is crucial, as repeated violations can lead to stricter consequences, including potential suspensions for captains in upcoming matches. Teams must stay vigilant to avoid such penalties and ensure compliance with the regulations. Read also: Rohit Sharma Laughs as Jaker Ali Drops Crucial Catch | IND vs BAN Pakistan suffers 60-run defeat to New Zealand The over-rate issue has now added more woes to the already defeated team in the opening match. Pakistan had a disastrous start to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, suffering a crushing 60-run defeat against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium. Chasing 321, Pakistan faltered early as William O’Rourke (3/39) and Mitchell Santner (3/66) dismantled their batting lineup, bundling them out for 260 in 47.2 overs. Earlier, New Zealand posted 320/5, powered by centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*). Despite efforts from Khushdil Shah (69) and Babar Azam (64), Pakistan never posed a serious threat. With a negative net run rate, they now face a must-win clash against India on February 23 in Dubai. Pakistan will face their archrival India on February 23 in Dubai. Apart from being a crowd-pulling match, it will be an important assignment for the Men in Green to stay alive in the semifinal run of the Champions Trophy.