February 26, 2026

Moroccan rug

Afghanistan star fined 15% match fee and one demerit point for arguing with umpires during SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 match

sbou120004 mins


Veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been fined and served one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa on Wednesday in Ahmedabad. The spin-bowling all-rounder was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel that relates to arguing with umpires.

The incident took place during the 14th over of Afghanistan’s innings when Nabi engaged with the umpires over a wrist band worn by Proteas pacer Lungi Ngidi. The former captain wanted to Ngidi to take off the wrist band due to his struggles in spotting the ball when the umpires intervened. In the process, Nabi was found to have breached Article 2.4 that relates to “Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match.”

Hence, the 41-year-old has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee and copped one demerit point for his actions.

Afghanistan go down to South Africa in thrilling circumstances in Ahmedabad

South Africa celebrate their victory over Afghanistan. (Credits: Getty)
South Africa celebrate their victory over Afghanistan. (Credits: Getty)

After South Africa set a stiff target of 188 to win on the back of half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61) and Quinton de Kock (58), Afghanistan got off to a patchy start. But a spirited Rahmanullah Gurbaz dragged them single-handedly towards the target by cracking 84 off 42 deliveries. It all came down to 13 required off the 20th over and it resulted in a tie.

The first Super Over saw the Afghans bat first and amass 17, leaving the Proteas 18 for victory. With seven required off the final ball, Tristan Stubbs clobbered a six over long-off to force another Super Over. Stubbs was in the thick of things again as he hammered a six and David Miller carted a couple more to set a 24-run target.

Although Gurbaz smacked three consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, Rashid Khan and Co. came up short. The Afghans now face an uphill task to reach the Super 8s as New Zealand and South Africa have notched up two wins each in Group D.