ICC fines Pakistan for a slow over-rate in the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 semi-final against Sri Lanka. The match took place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, and the penalty was announced by the International Cricket Council on Monday.
Pakistan were found one over short of the required rate after all time allowances were considered. Match referee GS Lakshmi from the ICC International Panel imposed the sanction. Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, teams lose 5% of their match fees for every over they fail to complete on time. As a result, the Green Shirts received a 5% fine on their match fees.
Captain Fatima Sana accepted the charge without any hearing. On-field umpires Vrinda Rathi and Shathira Jakir Jesy, along with third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan, raised the issue. Her acceptance closed the matter quickly.
The fine adds extra disappointment for Pakistan, who had already exited the tournament. They lost the second semi-final by four wickets to defending champions Sri Lanka. Batting first after being put in, Pakistan posted a competitive 130 for 5. Fatima Sana played a key role with an unbeaten 47 off 36 balls that included four fours and two sixes. Her late acceleration lifted the total.
Sri Lanka chased the 131-run target successfully, finishing with six wickets down and eight balls remaining. Despite Fatima Sana claiming four wickets, the home side could not stop the chase. Sri Lanka will now face India in the final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
This slow over-rate penalty is a reminder of the strict time rules in modern cricket. Teams must maintain the required pace or face financial consequences. Pakistan’s campaign ended with both a semi-final defeat and this additional sanction from the ICC. The focus now shifts to how the side prepares for future tournaments while managing such disciplinary issues carefully.
