Sarfraz Ahmed fined for slow over rate in victory over England

Pakistan had been one over behind their target when the cut-off point was reached, even allowing for any extenuating circumstances

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has been fined 20 percent of his match fee after his team was found to have committed a minor over-rate breach in their 14-run victory over England on Monday.

His teammates were also fined 10 percent of their respective match fees after it was decided that Pakistan had been one over behind their target when the cut-off point was reached, even allowing for any extenuating circumstances.

Under ICC regulations, there are two different levels of severity when it comes to the governing body’s over-rate offences.

If an innings is two overs behind at the cut-off, it constitutes a minor rule-break, with the captain receiving a fine – as in the case of Sarfraz.

^{Pakistan became the first team to win a World Cup game in which the opposition side scored two centuries.}

While the fine will not take away from Pakistan's thrilling win, it could become a more serious issue as the tournament progresses. A second similar offence inside the competition would then result in a one-match suspension for Sarfraz, the team's captain and wicketkeeper.

Indeed, England captain Eoin Morgan served one such ban in May after over-running during England’s ODI win over Pakistan at Bristol.

If an innings runs over by more than two overs, it is viewed as a 'serious over-rate offence'.

In the absence of extenuating circumstances – such as injury or a lost ball, a captain could face an immediate two-match ban under the terms of the ICC’s code of conduct.

With the bat, Sarfraz struck 55 at more than a run a ball as Pakistan shocked England at Trent Bridge.

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