Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during a thrilling T20 World Cup match against South Africa.
Nabi violated Article 2.4 of the ICC Code, which addresses disobeying an umpire’s instructions, after engaging with officials over a wristband worn by South African pacer Lungi Ngidi.
The incident occurred at the start of the 14th over during Afghanistan’s innings, drawing immediate attention as the umpires intervened to address the alleged breach on the field.
Despite the disciplinary action, the match ended in dramatic fashion, with South Africa narrowly defeating Afghanistan after two Super Overs in a highly tense and competitive Group D encounter.
Put into bat first, South Africa posted a competitive 187/6 in 20 overs, with Quinton de Kock scoring 59 off 41 balls and Ryan Rickelton hitting a 28-ball 61 to anchor the innings.
Afghanistan’s bowling effort was led by Azmatullah Omarzai, who claimed three wickets, followed by Rashid Khan with two scalps, while Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up one wicket to keep the target challenging.
Chasing 188, Afghanistan’s batters scored 187 in 19.4 overs, highlighted by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive 84 off 42 deliveries, taking the match into the thrilling first Super Over.
In the Super Overs, South Africa and Afghanistan matched each other’s totals, with Tristan Stubbs and David Miller piling 23 runs in the second Super Over to set a daunting 24-run target.
Keshav Maharaj bowled the final Super Over expertly, dismissing Nabi and eventually Gurbaz after a flurry of sixes, allowing South Africa to clinch an unforgettable victory in a dramatic T20 thriller.
