Gulbadin Naib, the former Afghanistan cricket captain, has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday. The ICC confirmed that Naib violated Article 2.8 of the Code of Conduct, which addresses “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.” The incident occurred during the 11th over of Zimbabwe’s innings when an LBW appeal against Tashinga Musekiwa, off Rashid Khan’s bowling, was turned down. Naib reacted by bowing in a mock prayer and requesting a review, even though the Decision Review System (DRS) was unavailable for the match.
In addition to the fine, Naib received one demerit point on his disciplinary record, marking his first offence within a 24-month period. The Afghanistan all-rounder admitted to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction by Match Referee Andy Pycroft, meaning there was no need for a formal hearing.
In the match, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Solid contributions came from Darwish Rasooli (58 runs from 42 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) and Azmatullah Omarzai (28 runs from 23 balls, 2 sixes), guiding Afghanistan to a competitive total of 153/6 in their 20 overs. Gulbadin Naib contributed 26 runs from 21 balls, while captain Rashid Khan added 3 runs off 2 balls, ensuring a few additional runs at the end.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was led by Trevor Gwandu and Ryan Burl, who each took two wickets. During the chase, Zimbabwe’s top-order struggled. Skipper Sikandar Raza (35 runs from 30 balls, 2 fours, 1 six) and opener Brian Bennett (27 runs from 26 balls, 2 fours, 1 six) tried to steady the ship, but after their dismissals, Zimbabwe lost their momentum and could not recover. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan, who claimed three wickets each, bowled Zimbabwe out for 103 with two overs remaining, securing a 50-run victory.
Darwish Rasooli was named the ‘Player of the Match’. The series is now tied at 1-1, with the decider scheduled for Saturday, 14 December at the Harare Sports Club.
