Bangladesh fined for slow over-rate against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh have been fined five per cent of their players' match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate in their opening match of the UAE ODI tri-series against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the sanction on Monday after Bangladesh were found to be one over short of the required rate after time allowances were taken into account.

The penalty was imposed by match referee David Gilbert of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers minimum over-rate offences.

Under the regulation, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their team fails to bowl within the allotted time.

Bangladesh captain Towhid Hridoy pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Allahuddien Paleker and Izatullah Safi, along with third umpire Ahsan Raza and fourth umpire Ahmed Shah Durrani.

The disciplinary action followed Bangladesh's disappointing start to the tri-series, as they suffered a 99-run defeat to Zimbabwe at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Zimbabwe posted 271 for eight in their 50 overs, recovering from an early collapse through a 150-run fourth-wicket partnership between Brendan Taylor, who scored 81, and Craig Ervine, who made 93.

Bangladesh were subsequently bowled out for 172 in 33.4 overs, leaving them with work to do ahead of their next match against Afghanistan on October 21.