Sri Lanka’s stand-in skipper Upul Tharanga has been suspended for the next two ODIs by International Cricket Council (ICC) after his side was found guilty of a serious over-rate offence in its Group B fixture against South Africa at The Oval on Saturday.
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The Sri Lankans were found four overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration and match referee David Boon imposed the suspension. In accordance with the rules, all players were fined 10 per cent of their match fees for the first two overs and 20 per cent of their match fees for the additional overs their side failed to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain also receiving two suspension points.
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“Yeah, I think we were very slow between overs. The umpires told we are short by two overs after the 10th over and they told me in the 40th over that we are three overs behind. I knew, that we need time for the last six-seven overs, but with the game heating up, I didn’t think about it that much.” Tharanga said after the close of play.
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As two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player, Tharanga has been suspended from his side’s upcoming matches against India (at The Oval, 8 June) and Pakistan (at the Cardiff Wales Stadium, 12 June), while each of his players have received a fine of 60 per cent.
“The slow over-rate was mainly because we were a bit lethargic during overs but that too because we have specialist fielders at specific positions, like Kapugedara at point and Seekkuge at covers, so for them to get to those places also it took a bit of time. “ Sri Lanka wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella said exclusively to ThePapare.com after the match.
Photo Album: Sri Lanka v South Africa | ICC Champions Trophy 2017 – Match 3
Tharanga pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
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