Sri Lanka's stunning win in the first ODI against Zimbabwe was overshadowed by a sanction from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Charith Asalanka-led side was found guilty of a slow over-rate and subsequently fined for the offense.
The Sri Lankan team has been slapped with five per cent their match fees after falling one over short of the required target, even after all time allowances were considered. The penalty was imposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, players are fined 5 per cent of their match fee for every over their team fails to bowl within the allotted time.
The Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka accepted the sanction without the need for a formal hearing, pleading guilty to the charge. The ongoing five-match white-ball series in Zimbabwe, which includes three T20Is, is part of Sri Lanka's preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka played a pivotal role in the team's seven-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI. With the hosts needing just ten runs in the final over, Madushanka delivered a stunning performance, taking a hat-trick with the first three balls to secure the win for Sri Lanka. His feat made him the third Sri Lankan pacer to achieve multiple hat-tricks in international cricket, joining the ranks of former legends Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is set to welcome back star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for the upcoming Asia Cup. Hasaranga, who was rested for the Zimbabwe tour, has been named in the Asia Cup squad. As the team's primary spinner, his presence is crucial, especially considering Sri Lanka's recent success as winners of the T20 Asia Cup in 2022 and runners-up in the ODI Asia Cup in 2023. Hasaranga's return will bolster an already strong spin attack that includes Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, and his power-hitting ability down the order provides an added advantage.
Talking about the second ODI, Sri Lanka won the toss against Zimbabwe and elected to field first on August 31. Put to bat first, Zimbabwe were placed at 205/5 as of 42 overs, thanks to Ben Curran's 95-ball 79.
Zimbabwe's Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams(c), Sikandar Raza, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande(w), Brad Evans, Ernest Masuku, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Sri Lanka's Playing XI: Nuwanidu Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando