Pakistan have been fined 5% of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate during the ODI Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Pakistan finished one over short of the required target after time allowances were considered. Despite the penalty, Pakistan celebrated a 3-wicket victory after successfully chasing 326 runs to secure the tournament title.
ICC Imposes 5% Match-Fee Fine
Match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel imposed the penalty under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The regulation requires players to pay 5% of their match fees for every over their team fails to complete within the allotted time. On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz levelled the charge. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi accepted responsibility and pleaded guilty, avoiding a formal hearing.
Pakistan’s Second Over-Rate Penalty
This was Pakistan’s second slow over-rate offence during the tournament. The team previously received a 10% match-fee fine after falling 2 overs short in the opening match in Rawalpindi. Sri-Lanka also faced disciplinary action for a slow over-rate against England earlier in the competition. The repeated penalties have raised concerns about maintaining the required bowling pace during international matches.
Fakhar Zaman Leads Pakistan to Victory
The fine followed an impressive performance from Pakistan in the final. Sri Lanka posted 325 for 8, with Kamindu Mendis scoring 131 for his maiden ODI century. Pakistan struggled early in their chase, losing 2 wickets for just 14 runs. However, Fakhar Zaman turned the match around with 127 runs from 99 deliveries, including 11 fours and 6 sixes. Saad Baig contributed 74 runs from 75 balls, sharing a crucial 149-run partnership with Fakhar for the third wicket. Arafat Minhas also scored a half-century as Pakistan reached the target with 9 balls remaining.
Record-Breaking ODI Final in Lahore
The match produced 656 runs, setting a record for the highest aggregate in an ODI final. Pakistan’s victory completed a successful tournament campaign, while England failed to reach the final after losing their opening three matches. Although the ICC fine added a disciplinary setback, Pakistan finished the competition as champions following a memorable run chase.
