Pakistan fined for slow over-rate in Lahore tri-series final

Pakistan were fined five per cent of their match fee for a slow over-rate in the Lahore final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, even as they beat Sri Lanka by three wickets to take the title. Fakhar Zaman made 127 off 99 deliveries, with 11 fours and six sixes, as Pakistan chased Sri Lanka’s 326 with nine balls to spare.

Match referee Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel ruled that the hosts were one over short of the required rate after time allowances. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi pleaded guilty and accepted the proposed sanction, so no formal hearing was needed.

The rule and the hundred

Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct fines players five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Tribune India reports that Fakhar’s innings was his 12th ODI century. The win was described as a confidence boost for Pakistan as they continue preparations for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Earlier in the tri-series

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening game on 18 October, while Sri Lanka won the return group game by eight wickets on 27 October.

What’s next

Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet again in the first Test, starting on Monday, 9 November at 10:30 AM IST. The second Test follows on Tuesday, 17 November, also at 10:30 AM IST.