South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct and received one demerit point during the second ODI against Pakistan in Cape Town on Thursday.
The incident occurred when Klaasen was on 97 runs, was the last batter dismissed by Naseem Shah during 44th over. Frustrated at missing his century, Klaasen kicked the stumps in anger.
His actions were deemed a violation of Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match.”
Despite Klaasen’s valiant knock, South Africa’s efforts went in vain as Pakistan secured an 81-run victory to clinch the series.
Pakistan sealed the series by 2-0
South Africa won the toss and elected to field first. Pakistan faced an early setback, losing their first wicket on the fourth ball of the innings. However, skipper Mohammad Rizwan (80) and Babar Azam (73) steadied the innings with a strong partnership. Later contributions from Salman Agha and Kamran Ghulam, who scored a vital half-century, helped Pakistan post a challenging total of 329.
South Africa’s bowlers had a tough outing, but young pacer Kwena Mphaka impressed with his career-best figures of 4/72, while Marco Jansen claimed 3/71.
Chasing 330, South Africa struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling. Skipper Temba Bavuma fell early for 12 runs, followed by Rassie van der Dussen (23) and Aiden Markram (21).
Klaasen was the lone warrior for the hosts, scoring an impressive 97 off 74 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes, before his dismissal. After Klaasen’s departure, the rest of the batting lineup failed to offer resistance, and South Africa were bowled out for 248 runs.
Pakistan’s bowling unit, led by Naseem Shah (4 wickets) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (3 wickets), delivered an exceptional performance to seal the win and the series. This victory highlights Pakistan’s dominance, both with the bat and ball, as they outplayed the hosts on their home turf.
