David Miller handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of ICC Code of Conduct during SA vs ENG match of T20 World Cup 2024
South Africa’s star cricketer David Miller was handed an official reprimand and also one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the team’s match against England. Notably, this was his first offense in the past two years.
South Africa and England, who are a part of Group 2 in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, squared off at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Friday, June 21. It was a close encounter between the two sides, with the Proteas eventually emerging victorious by seven runs.
Miller was not satisfied with the on-field umpire’s decision of not adjudging one of Sam Curran’s deliveries as a ‘no-ball.’ The incident took place in the 19th over of the first innings when the South African batter faced the English all-rounder.
Curran delivered a full-toss on the second ball of the over, which Miller hit towards deep mid-wicket. A brilliant effort by the fielder stopped the boundary as the batter ran a couple of runs. While the southpaw expected the umpire to declare it a no-ball, the batter’s request was turned down.
Miller was dissatisfied with the umpire’s call and signaled for a review but the decision could not be reviewed. The 35-year-old was found guilty of breaching Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which implicates “showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match.”
The Proteas batter admitted to the same and acknowledged match referee Jeff Crowe’s proposed sanction.
South Africa continue their winning streak in Super 8
The Aiden Markram-led South Africa became the first team to qualify for the Super 8 with four wins in as many matches in the group stage.
Moving into Super 8, South Africa opened their account in Group 2 with a 18-run victory over the United States. They carried the momentum into their next encounter against England and beat the defending champions by seven runs to consolidate the No. 1 spot in their group’s points table.
With six consecutive victories, South Africa will now face the West Indies in their upcoming match, which will also be their final Super 8 encounter. While the co-hosts and the Englishmen are still in contention for a top-four spot, a win for the Proteas would confirm their place in the semi-final.