Pakistan Penalized for Slow Over-Rate in Tri-Series Final Against Sri Lanka
Pakistans cricket team faces a fine for slow over-rate during the tri-series final against Sri Lanka, despite a thrilling victory.
Dubai, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Pakistan’s cricket team has been fined 5% of their match fees for failing to maintain the required over-rate during the One Day International tri-series final against Sri Lanka. The match took place in Dubai on November 2, 2026.
The penalty was imposed by Jeff Crow, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. An investigation revealed that Pakistan fell one over short of the required number, even after accounting for time allowances. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi acknowledged the error and accepted the fine, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was brought by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights, along with third umpire Sharafuddaula Ibn Shahid and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz.
According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, teams that fail to meet the minimum over-rate requirement are fined 5% of their match fees for each over bowled short. This fine applies after considering any time allowances.
The fine comes on the heels of Pakistan’s thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, securing the tri-series trophy in front of their home crowd. Chasing a challenging target of 326 runs, the hosts reached 329 runs with nine balls to spare, losing seven wickets in the process.
Fakhar Zaman played a pivotal role in the win, scoring a remarkable 127 runs off 99 balls, marking his 12th ODI century. He received solid support from Sadaf Baig, who contributed 74 runs from 75 balls. After the early dismissals of Maj Sadakat and Babar Azam, these two players steadied the innings.
When quick runs were needed following Zaman’s dismissal, Arafat Minhas stepped up, scoring 61 runs off just 31 balls, including four sixes and four fours. His aggressive innings brought the team closer to victory, which was ultimately secured when Shaheen hit a six. Earlier, Sri Lanka had set a formidable target by scoring 325 runs for the loss of eight wickets, thanks to Kamindu Mendis’s 131 runs and Pawan Ratnayake’s 77. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were unable to defend the total effectively.
