Pakistan and Sri Lanka both left the opening match of the ODI tri-series with fines attached to their result. The Pakistan Sri Lanka slow over-rate fine came after the hosts beat the visitors by 37 runs in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the fines. Pakistan lost 10 per cent of their match fee and Sri Lanka 5 per cent after both teams finished behind the required rate.
Details of the Pakistan Sri Lanka slow over-rate fine
Pakistan were ruled two overs short of the allotted time, while Sri Lanka came up one over short, after time allowances were taken into account. The sanctions fell on the players of both sides under the ICC’s over-rate rules. Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel covers minimum over-rate offences. It fines players 5 per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Crowe, from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, imposed the penalties. Captains Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan and Kusal Mendis of Sri Lanka pleaded guilty and accepted the proposed sanctions, so no formal hearings were needed. On-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Wayne Knights levelled the charges along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi. The ICC announced the sanctions in a media release, first reported by Dawn.
How the Rawalpindi opener unfolded
Pakistan posted 305 all out in 49.5 overs after Sri Lanka captain Mendis elected to field. Salman Ali Agha led the way with 107 off 90 balls, his fourth century in one-day internationals. Babar Azam added 45, debutant Saad Baig scored 39 and Hasan Nawaz chipped in with 37. Eshan Malinga was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler with four for 46, while Asitha Fernando took three wickets. Chasing 306, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs. Captain Shaheen led Pakistan’s bowling effort as the hosts sealed a 37-run win to open their campaign. The two sides have met often this month. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the T20I series opener in Rawalpindi, and Farhan later urged the team to keep an aggressive approach after that victory.
What repeat offences could cost
Financial penalties are the standard first step, but the ICC code grows tougher on repeat offenders. Under the Code of Conduct, repeated over-rate breaches within a 12-month period can attract suspension points, which carry bans measured in matches. Captains face particular scrutiny, since the referee judges the team’s rate against a clock they control. Pakistan cannot afford more slip-ups in a packed schedule. The hosts face England in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, and England have named their squad for the tri-series with Jofra Archer rested. Each team plays the others twice before the final in Lahore on October 31. Sri Lanka, who announced their squad earlier, will want a cleaner rate in their next outing. The series doubles as a build-up for next year’s 50-over World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Frequently asked questions
Why were Pakistan and Sri Lanka fined?
The ICC fined both teams for slow over-rates in the tri-series opener in Rawalpindi. Pakistan finished two overs short of the required rate and Sri Lanka one over short, after time allowances.
How much was the fine?
Pakistan were docked 10 per cent of their match fee and Sri Lanka 5 per cent. The code sets a 5 per cent deduction for every over not bowled in the allotted time.
Did the captains accept the sanctions?
Yes. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Kusal Mendis pleaded guilty and accepted the proposed sanctions, so no formal hearings took place.
What is next in the tri-series?
Pakistan play England in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Each team faces the others twice, with the final set for Lahore on October 31.
