SL punished for ‘below average’ pitch Sports April 29, 2021 PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka risk falling to their lowest world rankings position if they fail to beat Bangladesh in the second and final Test starting Thursday at Pallekele after being punished for a “below average” pitch in the high-scoring first game. The International Cricket Council decision to order a demerit point for Pallekele has added to the pressure on the home side. The first match ended in a tame draw with the two sides scoring 1,289 runs for the loss of just 17 wickets over the five days. ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle said the Pallekele pitch was “below average”.