Dubai: Pakistan have been fined five per cent of their players’ match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate in the ODI Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka in Lahore.
The penalty was imposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees after Pakistan were found to be one over short of the required quota within the stipulated time, even after accounting for time allowances.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, avoiding a formal hearing.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz.
What ICC Rules Say About Slow Over-Rates
Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams are fined five per cent of their players’ match fees for every over they fall short of the minimum over-rate requirement. The penalty is calculated after taking available time allowances into account.
Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka to Win Tri-Series
The fine comes after Pakistan secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka to lift the tri-series trophy in front of their home crowd.
Chasing a target of 326, Pakistan reached 329 for seven with nine balls to spare. Fakhar Zaman led the chase with a commanding 127 off 99 balls, registering his 12th ODI century.
He received strong support from Saad Baig, who scored 74 off 75 deliveries. The pair helped steady the innings after Pakistan lost Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam early.
After Zaman’s dismissal, Arafat Minhas provided the late push with an explosive 61 off just 31 balls, hitting four sixes and four boundaries. His innings brought Pakistan close to victory before captain Shaheen Afridi sealed the win with a six.
Earlier, Kamindu Mendis scored 131 while Pavan Rathnayake added 77 to help Sri Lanka post 325 for eight. However, their efforts were not enough as Pakistan completed the chase and claimed the tri-series title.