DUBAI: After the first One Day International (ODI) match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, the Pakistan cricket team was penalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a slow over rate.
According to the statement issued by the ICC, the on-field umpires and match referee in their report have deemed that the Pakistan team was short of four overs of the required rate during the match on November 11, which was the second match of the three-match ODI series. As a result, the team has been handed the punishment of a 20 percent reduction in their match fee.
In addition, there was no hearing required as the captain of Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, expressed his acceptance of the punishment given by the umpire’s verdict.
The ICC is still enforcing strict measures against slow over rates as part of its commitment to maintain the pace and fairness of international cricket.
Pakistan defeats Sri Lanka in opening ODI of the series
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in a thrilling opening match of the One-Day series held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
In this encounter, Pakistan scored 299 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, with Salman Ali Agha’s outstanding century being the highlight. Agha’s innings of 105 runs came off 87 balls and included 9 fours. Hussain Talat also made a significant contribution, scoring 62 runs from 63 balls.
In response, Sri Lanka managed to score 293 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs while chasing Pakistan’s target of 300 runs. Vinod Hasaranga was a standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking three wickets.
The Sri Lankan captain chose to bowl first after winning the toss, citing humid conditions in the second innings as a factor in the decision. This match marks Shaheen Shah Afridi’s second ODI series as captain, and under his leadership, Pakistan recently claimed a 2-1 series victory against South Africa.
Historically, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 157 ODIs, with Pakistan winning 93 matches, Sri Lanka winning 59, one match resulting in a tie, and four matches ending with no result. In their previous meetings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, both teams have won one ODI each.
