Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been fined 50% of his match fee for violating the ICC Code of Conduct during the opening T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch. Additionally, he has received three demerit points, marking his first offence within a 24-month period.
The incident took place in the eighth over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil, after striking the third ball from Foulkes past mid-on, unintentionally collided with the bowler, who had his back turned. The collision, involving Khushdil’s left shoulder, prompted the on-field umpire to address the matter immediately after the batters completed two runs.
Since Khushdil accepted the penalties imposed by the umpires and match referee Jeff Crowe, a formal hearing was not required.
Despite the controversy, Khushdil was Pakistan’s top scorer, managing 32 off 30 balls. However, he received little support from his teammates, as Pakistan was bowled out for just 91 runs. New Zealand’s openers, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, comfortably chased the target in just 10.1 overs, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan, under a revamped strategy for this tour, has opted for a more aggressive, high-risk approach, leaving out senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. They will be looking to bounce back as the series moves to Dunedin for the second T20I.
Following the five-match T20I series, both teams will also compete in three ODIs.
