South Africa all-rounder Corbin Bosch has collected his first ICC demerit point after a pointed send-off of Australia’s Ben Dwarshuis during Tuesday night’s second T20I in Cairns.
Bosch bowled Dwarshuis in the 17th over of Australia’s chase, then immediately turned and gestured towards the visitors’ dug-out. Match referee Andy Pycroft deemed the celebration a breach of Article 2.5 of the ICC code – “language, actions or gestures which disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter on dismissal”. Bosch accepted the charge and the sanction, so no formal hearing was required.
“I let the adrenaline carry me away,” Bosch said in a brief statement released by Cricket South Africa. “I’ve apologised to Ben and the team. Lesson learnt – celebrations still have to stay within the spirit of the game.”
Dwarshuis was more measured. “It’s sport, emotions run high,” he told local radio. “He got me out, fair play. The ICC’s dealt with it, so we move on.”
The solitary demerit point leaves the 23-year-old well clear of suspension territory; four points within a 24-month window would trigger a one-match ban. Nonetheless, South Africa coach Rob Walter hopes the reminder sinks in. “One point isn’t the end of the world, but you don’t want them stacking up,” he noted. “Corbin’s got a big future, and managing those moments is part of it.”
On the night, Bosch’s figures – 3 for 20 in three overs – helped South Africa seal a 53-run victory and level the three-match series at 1-1. Dewald Brevis earlier lit up the ground with an unbeaten 125 from 56 balls, pushing the visitors to 218 for 7. Australia were dismissed for 165, Kwena Maphaka also grabbing three wickets.
The deciding T20I is scheduled for Saturday, followed by a three-match ODI series, all in Cairns.
