ENG vs SL 2026: Sri Lanka Fined 15% of Match Fee for Slow Over-Rate Against England in 1st ODI
Sri Lanka were fined 15% of their match fee for a slow over-rate after losing the first ODI against England by 89 runs.
Sri Lanka have been fined 15% of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first ODI against England at Chester-le-Street. The visitors fell three overs short of the required rate after time allowances were taken into account.
The penalty comes after Sri Lanka suffered an 89-run defeat in the opening match at the Riverside Ground. The loss put them 1-0 down in the three-match ODI series against England.
Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams are fined 5% of their match fee for every over they fail to bowl within the required time.
As Sri Lanka were three overs behind the target rate, the total fine amounted to 15% of their match fee.
Captain Kusal Mendis accepted the charge and pleaded guilty to the offence. As a result, there was no need for a formal hearing.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Wayne Knights and Graham Lloyd, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire James Middlebrook. Match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the sanction.
Sri Lanka will now look to bounce back in the second ODI as they aim to level the series and keep their hopes of a series win alive.
