Teams failing to complete their overs in the allotted time in one-day internationals will no longer be docked overs when they bat second, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday.

The new ruling, under which players will be fined for slow over rates instead, will be implemented from Thursday's opening Sharjah Cup match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

It has come too late, however, for World Cup hosts South Africa.

In the opening game of cricket's showcase event in February, South Africa were left to rue their slow over rate against West Indies. Having been docked an over, they fell short of their winning target by just four

runs.

Teams will still have three-and-a-half hours plus allowances given by the referee to bowl 50 overs, and each member of the bowling team will be fined five per cent of his match fee per lost over.

Penalties will be doubled for the captain of the bowling side.

If the shortfall is more than two overs, the captain will also be charged for deliberate time-wasting.

This will result in a disciplinary hearing with a possible fine of between 50 and 100 per cent of his match fee and/or a possible ban for two one-day games.

The rules will also apply in Tests, with the increased penalties coming into effect after five rather than two overs.

The ICC also said match referees will now be allowed to suspend play due to safety and security concerns.