Over-Rate Fine Follows Pakistan's Tri-Series Final Triumph

A fine of 5 percent of match fee has been levied on Pakistan for a slow over-rate in the ODI tri-series final against Sri Lanka, played in Lahore, even as the team celebrated lifting the trophy.

The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees official Jeff Crowe handed down the penalty. Officials found that Pakistan had failed to complete its quota of overs within the stipulated time, falling one over behind after time allowances were factored in.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi acknowledged the offence and accepted the proposed punishment, which removed the need for a formal hearing. The allegations were brought by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights, third umpire Sharfuddaula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz.

The relevant regulation is Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for players and player support personnel. Under it, a side that is below the minimum over-rate pays 5 percent of its match fee for each over short, calculated after time allowances.

The fine comes after a dramatic home victory in which Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by three wickets to win the tri-series. Set 326 to win, the hosts made 329 for 7, finishing with nine balls unused.

Fakhar Zaman's 127 from 99 balls, his 12th ODI century, was the highlight of the chase. Saad Beg's 74 from 75 balls helped rebuild the innings after Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam departed early.

After Zaman's dismissal, Arafat Minhas raised the scoring rate with 61 from 31 balls, featuring four sixes and four fours. Shaheen Shah Afridi hit the winning six. Sri Lanka had posted 325 for 8 thanks to Kamindu Mendis (131) and Pavan Rathnayake (77), but their bowlers could not hold the target.