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Sri Lanka has received an embarrassing series defeat against Australia by losing the first two T20Is on their home turf. After the visitors thrashed the home team in the first match by ten wickets, while the second match saw similar results but with a bit of fightback from Sri Lankan players.
In response to a mere 124/9 in 20 overs, the Australian batting lineup suffered a mini-collapse in the middle overs, but still somehow managed to ensure victory at the end to sweep the three-match series 2-0. In the latest development, the International Cricket Council on Friday fined the home team 40 per cent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in the second T20I at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
As per the released statement by ICC, Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of the Match Referees imposed the sanction after Dasun Shanaka’s side was two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.
In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are subjected to fines of 20 per cent of their match fee for every over if their side fails to bowl in the allotted time period.
The ICC statement further informed that Sri Lankan players pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, due to which no formal hearing took place. On-field umpires during the match, Kumar Dharmasena and Prageeth Rambukwella, third umpire Lyndon Hannibal and fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge levelled the charge.
Speaking of the match, Australian batters struggled big-time in front of spin sensation Wanindu Hasaranga (4/33), who was at his best to rescue his side, but eventually, the visitors managed to save the game. Australia’s veteran wicketkeeper Matthew Wade (26 not out) starred in the game as he batted with the tailenders to secure victory with 13 balls to spare.