PALLEKELE: England and Sri Lanka were fined for slow over rates during their Super Eights group one matches in the World Twenty20 here on Saturday.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a press release that England were found one over short during their six-wicket win over New Zealand, while Sri Lanka also fell short by the same margin in their nine-wicket win against the West Indies.

“Match referee Javagal Srinath imposed the fines after both England and Sri Lanka were ruled to be one over short of their targets at the end of the matches when time allowances were taken into consideration,” said the ICC.

In accordance with ICC regulations governing minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captains fined double that amount.

As such, England's Stuart Broad and Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka were fined 20 percent of their match fees, while their players received 10 percent fines.

The offence is contrary to Article 2.5.1 of the ICC's code of conduct, which relates to minor over-rate offences. The penalty was accepted by England and Sri Lanka without contest so there was no need for a hearing.

They are the first slow over rate offences at the World Twenty20.

Australia play South Africa and Pakistan meet arch rivals India to spark up group two in Colombo on Sunday.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. The final is scheduled to take place in Colombo on October 7.