ZIM vs SL 2025: Lankans penalized for slow over-rate in 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate in the second and final ODI of the ZIM vs SL series against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, August 31. Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the over-rate sanction.

Five percent of the match fee of each player was deducted after the Lankans were adjudged to be an over short of the required target even after time was allowed and was taken into consideration. Notably, players are fined five percent of their match earnings for every over their team doesn’t bowl in the allocated time according to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

Skipper Charith Asalanka acknowledged the offence and agreed to the sanction. Hence, there was no need for a formal hearing to be conducted. The charge was issued by on-field umpires Iknow Chabi and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Percival Sizara and fourth umpire Forster Mutizwa.

Speaking about the match, Sri Lanka won a hard-fought contest by five wickets and three balls to spare. Pathum Nissanka (122 off 136) scored his seventh ton and was eventually named the Player of the Match as well. His innings comprised a total of 16 fours. Asalanka also played a vital 61-ball 71-run knock for his team.

Earlier in the match, Zimbabwe had ended up on 277/7 in their allotted quota of 50 overs. Coming off a 70 in the first ODI, Ben Curran impressed again with 79 off 95. Sikandar Raza remained unbeaten on 59 off 55. Dushmantha Chameera (3/52 in 10 overs), who did not take a single wicket in the series-opening fixture, ended up with three to his name.

The island nation will now play three T20Is against the Chevrons at the same venue. The matches are scheduled for September 3, September 6 and September 7. They will next move onto the United Arab Emirates for the 2025 installment of the Asia Cup.