Women's World Cup: SA's Mlaba reprimanded for gesture vs India
What's the story
South African cricketer Nonkululeko Mlaba has been reprimanded and awarded a demerit point by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating its Level 1 Code of Conduct during the recent ICC Women's World Cup match against India in Vizag. The incident took place during India's innings when Mlaba waved goodbye to Harleen Deol after dismissing her in the 17th over.
Code violation
Mlaba's actions deemed offensive by ICC
The ICC found Mlaba's actions to be in violation of Article 2.5 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The article prohibits "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match." This was the first offense by Mlaba in a 24-month period, hence only one demerit point was added to her disciplinary record.
Sanction acceptance
No formal hearing required as Mlaba accepted the charges
Mlaba accepted the offense and agreed to the sanction proposed by ICC International Panel of Match Referees's Trudy Anderson. Since she admitted her guilt, no formal hearing was required in this case. The charges against her were brought by on-field umpires Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton, third umpire Candace le Borde, and fourth umpire Sue Redfern.
Match highlights
South Africa beat India in the match
In the same match, South Africa pulled off a stunning three-wicket win against India. Nadine de Klerk's unbeaten 84 helped her team chase down India's total of 252 runs with an over to spare. This was despite Richa Ghosh's impressive knock of 94 for India. The match ended India's unbeaten run in the tournament.