Lahore: Pakistan has been fined five percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series against Sri Lanka. Despite securing a thrilling victory in Lahore on Saturday, the hosts were found to be one over short after time allowances were considered, as determined by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

According to International Cricket Council, the breach falls under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to minimum over-rate offenses. In such cases, players are penalized five percent of their match fee for each over their side fails to complete within the allotted time. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi acknowledged the slow over-rate offense and accepted the proposed penalty. During the match, Pakistan conceded 325/8 but successfully chased down the target with three wickets and nine balls to spare. The victory was marked by a standout performance from Fakhar Zaman, who scored his 12th ODI century with an impressive 127 off 99 deliveries, including 11 fours and six sixes. The win offers positive momentum for Pakistan as they prepare for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.