Sri Lankan team fined after 3rd ODI against Zimbabwe

It was an important game for the hosts more than that for the Zimbabwean team since they could simply not afford to let the visitors take lead in the series. Batting first Zimbabwe posted 310 after looking in a position to go way beyond that but in their response, the Sri Lankan team chased it down with utmost ease. Their openers gave them a brilliant start and with twin centuries from Niroshan Dickwella and Dhanushka Gunathilaka they overhauled the target with 8 wickets in hand.

But as they celebrate this win Sri Lankan captain Mathews has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 10 per cent fines. They have been fined as their over rate was way marginally slower and the allotted time for the first inning had to be extended.

ICC Media Release stated that “Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Angelo Mathews’ side was ruled to be one over short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

Mathews admitted the mistake

As such, Mathews has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 10 per cent fines. If Sri Lanka commits another minor over-rate breach in an ODI within 12 months of this offence with Mathews as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by Mathews and he will face a suspension.

Mathews pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Ian Gould and Ranmore Martinesz, third umpire Nigel Llong and fourth official Ruchira Palliyaguruge.”