South Africa have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate in Saturday’s fourth One-Day International against India in Johannesburg, which they won by five wickets to keep the series alive.Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Aiden Markram’s side was ruled to be one over short of their target when time allowances were taken into consideration.
In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.
As such, Markram has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 10 per cent fines. If South Africa commit another minor over-rate breach in an ODI within 12 months of this offence with Markram as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by Markram and he will face a suspension.
Markram pleaded guilty to the offence after the end of the match and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Bongani Jele, third umpire Ian Gould, and fourth umpire Shaun George.
South Africa continued to remain unbeaten in pink ODIs as newcomer Heinrich Klaasen starred with the bat to help his side beat India by 5 wickets in a rain curtailed tie at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The win also meant that South Africa stayed alive in the six-match series, with two matches to go.
Heavy rain remained the evening’s forecast but in no way can the cricketers be held responsible for not checking out on the weather. In fact, to India’s credit, they managed to put a good 290 runs on board despite the middle-order not adding to the second-wicket partnership between Virat Kohli and Dhawan
