Sri Lanka Docked 5% Match Fees For Slow Over-Rate vs Zimbabwe; Madushanka’s Final-Over Hat-Trick Seals Thriller

Sri Lanka have been fined five per cent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare, a game they won by seven runs after a stunning final-over hat-trick from Dilshan Madushanka. ICC match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the sanction after Sri Lanka were found one over short even after time allowances. Skipper Charith Asalanka accepted the offence under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, so no formal hearing was required.

The penalty doesn’t change the result of a dramatic finish. Defending 10 off the last over with Sikandar Raza on 92, Madushanka bowled Raza first ball, removed Brad Evans next delivery, and then rattled Richard Ngarava’s stumps to complete a rare last‑over hat‑trick and close out Zimbabwe at 291 for 8 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 298 for 6. He finished with 4 for 62 on a night when Janith Liyanage’s 70 not out off 47 and Kamindu Mendis’ 57 off 36 had earlier turbocharged Sri Lanka’s total after Pathum Nissanka’s composed 76.

Madushanka became only the third Sri Lankan with multiple ODI hat-tricks, joining Lasith Malinga (three) and Chaminda Vaas. The win puts Sri Lanka 1-0 up in the two‑match series, with three T20Is to follow on the tour. Zimbabwe’s chase had been revived by Ben Curran’s 70 and Sean Williams’ 57, before Raza and Tony Munyonga added 128 to take them to the brink—only for Madushanka to flip the script at the death.

What the sanction means: ICC fines are five per cent of the match fee per over short, applied to each playing XI member. Teams have been urged to tighten over-rate management—fielding placements, faster between-overs turnarounds, and timely bowling changes—especially in tight games where every minute counts.