ZIM Vs SL: Sri Lanka docked points for slow over-rate in Zimbabwe ODI

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-31 12:50:21 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-16 22:08:39

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 7

---

An exciting game of ODI cricket between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka ended in dramatic fashion with Dilshan Madushanka picking up a hat-trick to help the Islanders seal a thrilling seven-run win, but it was Sri Lanka who faced the wrath of the umpires post-match. The visitors have been fined for maintaining a slow over rate in the contest, as outlined in Article 2.5.1 of the ICC ODI Rules.

On a day that saw Zimbabwe compile a competitive 286, Sri Lanka were able to chase down the target with three balls to spare, thanks to a fine century from Dhananjaya de Silva and an unbroken 71-run partnership between him and Madushanka that ultimately sealed the deal. However, it was the Sri Lankan bowlers who were walking a tightrope for most parts of the game, with the umpires determined to enforce a strict over rate throughout the game.

This marks the first time that Sri Lanka have been found guilty of a slow over rate in the last 12 months, as per ICC regulations, and thus, the five percent penalty is the maximum that can be imposed. Skipper Dasun Shanaka expressed his disappointment in the team's over rate, especially after picking up their first win of the tour, "It was a great game of cricket, unfortunately, we were fined for something else. We were really focused on winning the game after losing the first two games, so we are really happy with the win but obviously disappointed with the fine," said Shanaka. "We tried our best, the bowlers were trying their best to get us over the line. We tried until the end, so I'm really happy with the fighting spirit until the last ball," he added.

The fine for the slow over rate is hardly a concern for Sri Lanka, given that they will gladly take the win after a difficult few months for Sri Lankan cricket. The irony of the game-changing hat-trick being potentially overshadowed by the post-match fine is indeed a funny twist to the tale.

Go!