Ireland fine for slow over-rate against Sri Lanka

Ireland have been fined 40% of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against Sri Lanka in their ICC Men's Cricket World Cup qualifier in Bulawayo on Sunday.

Shaid Wadvalla of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Ireland were ruled to be two overs short of their 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 20% of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Captain Andrew Balbirnie pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Gregory Brathwaite and Wayne Knights, third umpire Langton Rusere and fourth umpire Aleem Dar levelled the charge.

Ireland's hopes were ended by a 133-run defeat in the match.

Andy Balbirnie's side had already faced an uphill battle to qualify for the 50-over tournament in India later this year after disappointing defeats to Oman and Scotland in the World Cup Qualifier.