Pakistan cricket team have been docked 20 percent of their match fees for a slow over‑rate in the first ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Match officials ruled the side four overs short of the requirement after factoring in all time allowances.
Under ICC regulations, teams are fined five percent of the match fee for each over not bowled in the allotted time. With a four‑over shortfall, the total penalty reached 20 percent. The sanction does not affect the match result but will be recorded against the team’s over‑rate record for future monitoring.
The team did not only suffer a match fee deduction but also were at a disadvantage during the last four overs of their bowling innings in the first ODI as they were forced to play with one fielder inside the 30-yard circle.
While Pakistan managed to emerge victorious in the 1st ODI at Rawalpindi, their over-rate issue might have cost them dearly as they narrowly managed to defend their target of 300 by only 6 runs.
The 2nd ODI of the three-match series will be played in Rawalpindi on Friday 14 November as there was a forced change in the schedule due to security issue. The whole saga was sorted out timely and the rest of the series will continue with a slight change in schedule.
