South Africa left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has received an official reprimand and one demerit point after waving Harleen Deol off the field during Thursday’s Women’s World Cup win over India.
The incident happened in the 17th over. Having just bowled Deol, Mlaba turned, smiled and offered a playful wave. An ICC release said the gesture “could have provoked an aggressive response”. Match referee Trudy Anderson agreed, charging the 25-year-old under Article 2.5 of the code, which covers “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”
On-field umpires Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton, with support from TV official Candace le Borde and fourth umpire Sue Redfern, laid the complaint. Mlaba accepted the penalty on the spot, so no formal hearing was needed.
A single demerit point carries little immediate impact, yet four points in any 24-month window trigger a suspension – one Test or two limited-overs internationals, whichever comes first. With this her first offence, Mlaba sits well below that threshold.
The reprimand did not overshadow South Africa’s two-wicket victory. Chasing 252, they claimed a second win in three starts. Mlaba’s 2 for 46, including the key scalp of Deol, proved central, even if the celebration turned out to be a touch too flamboyant for the officials’ liking.
