Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza fined for showing dissent during 1st T20I against Namibia

As per the latest developments, veteran Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza has been fined half of his match fee for showing dissent towards the umpire in the first T20I against Namibia in Bulawayo on Tuesday (May 17). It all happened in the 16th over of Zimbabwe’s innings after Raza was adjudged out LBW off leg-spinner Gerhard Erasmus’ bowling. Disappointed with the decision, the 36-year-old questioned the umpire’s decision.

He even gestured by showing his bat to the umpire which didn’t go down well with several fans and experts. Raza even vented his frustration after entering the home dressing room. As a result, the right-handed batter was found guilty of breaching Article 2.8 (Level 1) of the ICC Code of Conduct as he showed “dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.”

Sikandar Raza handed two demerit points

Besides the fine, Raza now also has his first two demerit points on his disciplinary record. As Raza has admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft, no formal hearing will take place on the matter. Notably, the charges were initially leveled by on-field umpires Iknow Chabi and Langton Rusere as well as third umpire Forster Mutizwa.

Meanwhile, Raza, who came out to bat at number four, showcased remarkable resilience in the middle and scored 37 off 30 deliveries. He smashed a couple of boundaries and a six before falling prey to Erasmus. Besides him Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine scored a half-century, mustering 55 off 39 balls. As a result, Zimbabwe posted 153/4 in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Namibia looked in the hunt for the best part as many of their top-order batters got off to fine starts. Openers Divan la Cock and Craig Williams got the visitors off to a flying start, adding 67 runs for the opening wicket. While skipper Williams was dismissed for 25, La Cock made a quickfire 66. However, things turned south for the visitors once the duo was dismissed. As a result, Zimbabwe won the opening game by seven runs, earning a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.