South Africa's Marizanne Kapp reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third Women’s T20I against Sri Lanka in East London on Wednesday.

Kapp was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”

In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Kapp’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period. Notably, if the all-rounder accumulates four or more demerit points in the said duration, she will have to face suspension or ban from featuring for her national side.

The incident occurred in the 13th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, when Kapp, after dismissing captain Chamari Athapaththu, used inappropriate language, and gestured in the direction of the pavilion.

Kapp admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Shandre Fritz of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Jacqueline Williams and Thomas Mokorosi, third umpire Kerrin Klaaste, and fourth umpire Lauren Agenbag levelled the charge.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Lankan Women eye One-Dayers after T20I series win

With a victory in the third 20-over encounter, Sri Lanka clinched the game by four wickets to spare, with five balls remaining. The win also meant that the visitors sealed the series to their name with a 2-1 margin. The skipper, Chamari Athapaththu, was handed Player of the Match for her scintillating batting display. The southpaw scored 73 off 46 as her side was in pursuit of the 156-run target set by the Protea Women.

Next up, both the sides will square off in a three-match ODI series, beginning Saturday, April 06 at East London. The second and third game will be held in Kimberley and Potchefstroom, respectively.