DARWIN – South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch has been penalized for breaching ICC conduct rules during Tuesday’s fiery second T20I against Australia. The 29-year-old received a Level 1 charge under Article 2.5 for making provocative gestures toward the Australian dugout after dismissing Ben Dwarshuis in the 17th over. Bosch accepted the match officials’ sanction of an undisclosed fine and one demerit point, avoiding a formal disciplinary hearing.
The incident occurred during South Africa’s dominant 53-run victory that leveled the three-match series at 1-1. Teenage sensation Dewald Brevis stole the show with a breathtaking 41-ball century – his unbeaten 125 off just 52 deliveries propelling the Proteas to 218/7. Australia’s chase faltered despite Tim David’s quickfire 50 (24 balls), with Bosch (3/31) and 17-year-old Kwena Maphaka (3/32) sharing six wickets to bowl out the hosts for 165.
The sanctions come at a sensitive time for international cricket, following recent ICC crackdowns on player behavior. Level 1 breaches typically carry fines up to 50% of match fees and cumulative demerit points can lead to suspensions. Bosch now carries the single demerit point for 24 months, with four points within that period triggering an automatic ban.
All eyes now turn to Saturday’s series decider in Cairns, where both teams will be without key players – Australia missing concussed captain Mitchell Marsh and South Africa potentially resting some frontline bowlers ahead of the ODI series starting August 19. The disciplinary outcome serves as a timely reminder of the ICC’s heightened focus on player conduct as the international calendar intensifies ahead of October’s T20 World Cup.