The Pakistan A team, also known as Pakistan Shaheens, recently participated in the sixth unofficial ODI against Zimbabwe Select on Saturday. This match in Harare marked the conclusion of an extensive tour that included two unofficial Tests preceding the ODI series.
The hosts extended their dominance and secured a 32-run victory, thanks to an outstanding performance by Craig Ervine, who came close to scoring a double century with a remarkable 195 runs. Mubasir Khan smashed a hundred for the touring party but it wasn’t enough to take them over the finish line. Alongside the twin centuries, the match also encountered controversy when Pakistan Shaheens, who won the toss and opted to field on a flat pitch, faced penalties for ‘ball tampering’.
Umpire Iknow Chabi, who has officiated in more than 50 international games across various formats, penalized the visiting team for ball tampering by awarding the Zimbabwe Select team five penalty runs. The specific details of how the ball was tampered with and the individual responsible have not yet been clarified.
However, according to the laws of cricket, if the umpires believe that the condition of the ball has been unfairly altered, they can provide the batting side with the choice to request a replacement ball (if the fielding side is deemed responsible). Regardless of whether the ball is replaced, the opposing team is awarded five penalty runs as per the regulations.
Under Law 41.3 of the Laws of Cricket, there is a provision outlined in Clause 41.3.4.2 that pertains to the alteration of the match ball’s conditions. It states: “Regardless of whether a replacement ball has been chosen to be used, the bowler’s end umpire shall award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side.”
Speaking about the game, Zimbabwe Select posted 385/7 in 50 overs with Ervine scoring 195 off 148 balls, including 22 fours and 6 sixes. In response, Pakistan only managed to reach 353, losing the contest by 32 runs as Zimbabwe clinched the 6-match series by 4-2.
