• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 03/19/2024
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During the second T20I match between Ireland and Afghanistan in Sharjah, Ireland’s Andrew Balbirnie found himself in hot water after breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident occurred in the 16th over of Ireland’s innings when Balbirnie expressed dissent at being given out leg before wicket (LBW) by the umpire. He gestured towards his gloves, indicating that the ball had made contact with them before hitting his pads.

This action breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match. As a result, Balbirnie was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and received one demerit point, marking his first offence within a 24-month period.

The disciplinary action was overseen by David Boon, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Balbirnie admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed, thereby avoiding the need for a formal hearing.

The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Bismillah Jan Shinwari and Izatullah Safi, along with third umpire Ahmed Shah Pakteen and fourth umpire Ahmed Shah Durrani.

Level 1 breaches under the ICC Code of Conduct can result in penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50 per cent of the player’s match fee, along with the addition of one or two demerit points to the player’s record.

Afghanistan level the series with an all-rounder dominance

Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi’s counterattack salvaged their innings after a shaky start, scoring 59 runs supported by Seddiqullah Atal’s 35. Rashid Khan’s late fireworks propelled them to 152.

Ireland’s Mark Adair and Josh Little landed early blows, restricting Afghanistan to 14 for 4. However, Nabi’s resilience and Rashid’s late blitz led to Afghanistan’s revival. In reply, Ireland started strongly but lost wickets at crucial intervals.

Rashid Khan’s impactful spell of 4 for 14, along with Nangeyalia Kharote’s 2 wickets, ensured Afghanistan’s victory, restricting Ireland to 142. Afghanistan levelled the series with one match to play.