Women’s World Cup 2025: Nonkululeko Mlaba receives demerit point for ICC code breach against India

South Africa’s left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has received a demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Women’s World Cup clash against India. The incident occurred in the 17th over of India’s innings when Mlaba, after dismissing Harleen Deol, waved goodbye to the departing batter, a gesture that the ICC deemed could have provoked an aggressive reaction.

According to an ICC release on Saturday, October 11, Mlaba was found guilty of violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon her dismissal during an international match".

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Jacqueline Williams and Kim Cotton, along with third umpire Candace Le Borde and fourth umpire Sue Redfern. Mlaba admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Trudy Anderson, which included both an official reprimand and one demerit point on her disciplinary record.

This demerit point will remain on Mlaba’s record for 24 months. Under ICC rules, accumulating four or more demerit points within this period can result in a suspension of one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, whichever comes first.

Speaking of the match, South Africa secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over India. The hosts, India, were bowled out for 251 in 49.5 overs, with Richa Ghosh top-scoring with a brilliant 94. South Africa’s Chloe Tryon was impressive with the ball, taking 3 for 32 in her ten-over spell.

Chasing 252, South Africa reached the target in 48.5 overs as captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with 70 runs, while Nadine de Klerk guided the chase with an unbeaten 84 off 54, earning the Player of the Match award.

Following the result, India Women are placed third in the points table, while South Africa Women occupy fourth place. India will face Australia on October 12 while South Africa will meet Bangladesh on October 13, both matches scheduled in Visakhapatnam.