Umpire row costs Mohammad Nabi as South Africa edge Afghanistan in double Super Over epic

NEW DELHI: Veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for disobeying an umpire’s instruction during his side’s defeat to South Africa.

The incident took place at the start of the 14th over of Afghanistan’s innings, when Nabi became involved in a prolonged argument with the officials over South Africa bowler Lungi Ngidi’s wrist-band.



“Nabi was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match,’” an ICC statement read.

Along with the fine, one demerit point has been added to Nabi’s disciplinary record, marking his first offence in a 24-month period.

“Nabi admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Gilbert of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing,” the statement added.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, along with third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan.

South Africa edged a spirited Afghanistan in one of the greatest T20 contests, sealing victory after two Super Overs on Wednesday.



Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.