Mathews fined for slow over rate

Sri Lanka recorded a strong win today against Pakistan in the second test at the P Sara Oval iColombo to level the three-match series 1-1. All the teammates were jubilant over the victory which Sri Lanka achieved despite the rain affected match. The home-side chased the target of 153 in their final innings, which they did pretty easily at the loss of three wickets.

However, in their way to victory, the bowling unit lacked punctuality, due to which Sri Lanka fell one over short as per their stipulated time. This has led to a fine against all the members of the team. Chris Broad, the match referee, fined the Sri Lankan team, after the completion of the game. All the players have been fined 10% of their match, where as the captain, Angelo Mathews has been fined 20% of his match fees. The fine has been imposed as per the Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences and due to which, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

There was no need of an official hearing as Mathews readily pleaded guilty and accepted the fine that was imposed. The deciding match of the series is scheduled from July 3 at Pallekele. It will be a tough challenge for the teams, who have performed akin in the previous two matches.