Sri Lanka fined for slow over-rate in Mohali T20

The Sri Lanka team was fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its six-wicket defeat to India in the second Twenty20 International in Mohali on Saturday.

Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fines after Kumar Sangakkara's side was ruled to be two overs short of its target at the end of the match when time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with the new ICC Code of Conduct regulations governing minor over-rate offences, 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.

As such, Sangakkara was fined 40 per cent of his match fee while his players received 20 per-cent fines. If Sangakkara is found guilty of two further similar over-rate offences in T20Is over the next 12 months, he will receive a one-match suspension as per the provisions of the new, enhanced ICC Code of Conduct.

Commenting on his decision, Crowe said: "Kumar was kept informed throughout the match by the on-field umpires of where his team was with its over-rate. Under the revised code of conduct, Sri Lanka was very close to being three overs behind and charged for a Serious Over Rate Offence which would have resulted in its captain being suspended in the next two ODIs."

The penalty was accepted by Sangakkara without contest so there was no need for a hearing.

The offence is contrary to Article 2.5.1 of the code which relates to minor over-rate offences. The full text of the code, which was recently revamped, can be found at http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/rules_and_regulations.php.