South Africa fined for slow over-rate in first T20I against Australia

South Africa have been fined 20 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in the first Twenty20 International in Johannesburg yesterday.

Andrew Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanctions after Quinton de Kock’s side was ruled to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

De Kock pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Allahudien Paleker, and third umpire Bongani Jele and fourth official Brad White levelled the charges.

A rough day for South Africa

The Proteas had a day to forget in the opening T20I against Australia at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. After electing to field first, very few things went in their favour. The Aussies put on a mammoth 196 for six in 20 overs.

Dale Steyn and Tabraiz Shamsi picked up a couple of wickets each at an economy of 7.75. However, the duo didn’t get enough support from the others. Kagiso Rabada on return went for 45 runs in his three overs and even Lungi Ngidi was taken for 37 runs.

The run-chase turned out to be equivalent to a nightmare for the home team as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc ruffled their feathers with some early wickets. After the early jolts, the Proteas couldn’t scrip a comeback. Only three of their batters could get into the double digits.

Faf du Plessis top-scored with 24. They had difficulty in picking left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, who picked up five wickets, including a hat-trick. In the end, South Africa lost by 107 runs after getting g bowled out for 89 in 14.3 overs.

The second T20I is set to be played on Sunday, February 23 at the St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth and it’s a must-win affair for the home team.