Zimbabwe fined for slow over rate against Sri Lanka in the 4th ODI

Zimbabwe has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against Sri Lanka during the fourth One-Day International in Hambantota on Saturday. Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Graeme Cremer’s side was ruled to be one over short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Cremer has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 10 per cent fines. If Zimbabwe commits another minor over-rate breach in an ODI within 12 months of this offence with Cremer as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by Cremer and he will face a suspension.

Cremer pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Nigel Llong and Ranmore Martinesz, third umpire Ian Gould and fourth official Ruchira Palliyaguruge.

How the game panned out?

Winning the toss, hosts elected to bat first. Valuable contributions from the Lankan top-order inspired them to post a target of 300 in the given 50 overs. Niroshan Dickwella registered his second ODI century. Gunathilaka failed to reach the century mark as he got out on 87 off Waller. Angelo Mathews added 42 runs.

Coming to the 2nd innings, Zimbabwe added 67 runs for the opening wicket, thanks to Solomon Mire and Hamilton Masakadza. Rain halted the game at 139/3, giving the tourists a 9-run lead of DLS score. Zimbabwe were given the target of 219 in 31 overs. Craig Ervine’s quick-fire 69* off 55 helped them go past DLS target. Tourists levelled the series 2-2 with one more game to go.