ICC Sanctions Mohammad Nabi for Code Breach During Epic Afghanistan vs South Africa Clash

Afghanistan veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been penalised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following an on-field altercation with match officials during his side's pulsating T20 World Cup Group D encounter against South Africa. The experienced cricketer has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Nabi was found to have violated Article 2.4, which relates to failing to follow an umpire's instruction during an international fixture. The incident occurred at the start of the 14th over of Afghanistan's innings when Nabi approached the officials to question the use of a wristband worn by South African pacer Lungi Ngidi. The disagreement briefly interrupted play before the match resumed.

While the controversy added tension to the contest, the match itself turned into one of the most dramatic fixtures of the tournament. South Africa eventually clinched victory, but only after an extraordinary battle that required two Super Overs to decide the outcome.

How Did Nabi Perform?

Nabi, however, endured a difficult outing with both bat and ball. He conceded 20 runs in his two overs and managed only five runs from six deliveries during Afghanistan's chase. The highlight of Afghanistan's innings came through Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played a sensational knock of 84 from 42 balls to keep his side in contention. Late contributions from the lower order helped Afghanistan draw level with South Africa at the end of regulation play.

The Super Over Drama

The drama intensified during the first Super Over when Azmatullah Omarzai launched an aggressive assault on Ngidi, striking two boundaries and a six to push Afghanistan to 17 runs. South Africa responded strongly as Tristan Stubbs smashed two towering sixes off Fazalhaq Farooqi, including a crucial strike off the final delivery, forcing a second Super Over.

In the decisive over, David Miller and Stubbs combined to hammer three sixes, setting Afghanistan a steep target of 24 runs. Gurbaz threatened to produce another miracle, smashing three consecutive sixes off veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj. However, his dismissal soon after ended Afghanistan's hopes, bringing an unforgettable contest to a dramatic close.

Despite the loss, the match will be remembered for its electrifying finish and high-intensity cricket.