Dubai, Aug. 31 -- Sri Lanka were penalised five per cent of their match fees for maintaininga slow over-rate in the first ODI in Harare.

The sanction was imposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees after the touring side were found to be one over 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 Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

There was no need for a formal hearing as skipper Charith Asalanka pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction.

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