Sri Lanka Fined for Slow Over Rate in ODI Loss to England

Chester-le-Street, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a 15% fine on the Sri Lankan cricket team for maintaining a slow over-rate during their first One Day International against England. The match took place on September 22 at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. During the game, despite allowances for time, Sri Lanka was found to be three overs short of the required rate.Jeff Crow, an ICC match referee from the elite panel, sanctioned the fine under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to breaches related to minimum over-rates. According to ICC regulations, teams failing to bowl their overs within the allotted time face a penalty of 5% of the match fee for each over bowled late. Since Sri Lanka fell short by three overs, the players were fined 15% of their match fees. Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis accepted the charges and agreed to the proposed fine, negating the need for a formal hearing.The on-field umpires, Wayne Knights and Graham Lloyd, along with third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official James Middlebrook, raised the issue. In the match, England was bowled out for 265 runs in 48.1 overs, with captain Harry Brook scoring 67 runs and Will Jacks remaining unbeaten on 46. Joe Root also contributed with 44 runs. For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando and Sachithra Colombage each took three wickets. In response, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 176 runs in just 37 overs, losing the match by 89 runs.Dunith Wellalage was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 45 runs, while captain Kusal Mendis added 42 runs. Will Jacks was the standout bowler for England, claiming five wickets for just 22 runs in seven overs.