Pakistan fined 5% of match fee for slow over-rate in Lahore tri-series final against Sri Lanka

Pakistan have been fined 5 per cent of their match fee for a slow over-rate in the final of the one-day tri-series against Sri Lanka in Lahore.

The penalty was imposed by Geoff, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. The inquiry found that, even after time allowances were counted, Pakistan were one over behind their allotted overs.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi admitted the error and accepted the proposed penalty, so no formal hearing was required. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights. The third umpire was Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and the fourth umpire Rashid Riaz.

Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for players and support staff states that when a team falls short of the minimum over-rate requirement, each player is fined 5 per cent of the match fee for every over short. The same rule was applied here after the time allowances were calculated.

The fine comes after Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in front of their home crowd to win the tri-series trophy. Chasing a stiff target of 326, the hosts reached 329 for seven with nine balls to spare.

Fakhar Zaman played a major part in the win, scoring a fine 127 off 99 balls, his 12th one-day century. Saad Baig supported him well with 74 off 75 balls. Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam were dismissed early, and the two then steadied the innings.

When Fakhar was out, Pakistan needed quick runs, and Arafat Minhas made a key contribution with a rapid 61 off just 31 balls, including four sixes and four fours. His batting brought the win close, and Shaheen sealed it with a six at the end.

Earlier, Kamindu Mendis made 131 for Sri Lanka and Pavan Rathnayake added 77, taking Sri Lanka to 325 for eight. Sri Lanka's bowlers could not defend that total.