Oh dear. Lol. Ridiculous.
There needs to be flexibility in the rules for this sort of thing.
Surely common sense has to prevail in a situation like this.
In test matches, if a team is 9 down before the lunch/tea break, play can be extended by up to 30 minutes. Also, if there is a high chance that a result can be achieved before stumps - e.g. team batting in the 3rd or 4th innings is at least 8 down and the bowling side can win - play can be extended after the 30 min period post-stumps period (the period where time is made up so that 90 overs can be completed) by yet another 30 minutes or 8 overs (whichever comes last).
A similar rule needs to be introduced for ODIs in a situation like this when a result is imminent, rather than making the crowd wait another 45 minutes just to accommodate the tea break. Also, think of the other benefits: finish the game off now (which would only need another 2-4 overs max) and the lights at the ground don't need to be used, hence the ground can save expenses on electricity. However, it looks like the tournament organisers need to make sure the ground staff get their moneys worth rather than finishing off the game so the fans can leave ASAP. Therefore, having the 45 min tea break during 5:30-6:15pm ensures ppl will more often than not become hungry or thirsty during that time, hence they will have to buy foods and drinks inside the ground, and I assume the ICC gets a portion of the revenue made from food/beverages/merchandise sold at the venue.
