Key Points

South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba got into trouble during the Women's Cricket World Cup. She was reprimanded for waving goodbye to Indian batter Harleen Deol after dismissing her. The gesture violated the ICC's code of conduct about provocative actions toward dismissed batters. Despite the incident, Mlaba has been performing well with six wickets in three matches.

Key Points: Nonkululeko Mlaba Reprimanded for Gesture at Harleen Deol

  • Mlaba breached ICC Code of Conduct Article 2.5 for inappropriate gesture
  • Incident occurred after dismissing Harleen Deol in 17th over
  • Received formal reprimand and one demerit point
  • South Africa secured thrilling three-wicket win over India
  • Nadine de Klerk's half-century powered Proteas to victory
  • South Africa moved into top four in tournament standings
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Nonkululeko Mlaba reprimanded for gesture towards Harleen Deol in Women's Cricket World Cup

South Africa spinner reprimanded for waving goodbye to Indian batter Harleen Deol after dismissal in Women's Cricket World Cup match in Visakhapatnam.

"using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal - ICC Code of Conduct"

Visakhapatnam, October 11

South Africa Women's left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has been reprimanded for an inappropriate gesture directed at Indian batter Harleen Deol during their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 match in Visakhapatnam.

Mlaba was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "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."

The incident occurred after Mlaba dismissed India batter Harleen Deol during the 17th over, with the spinner waving goodbye to the opposing player after she had got her out.

As a result, Mlaba received a formal reprimand and one demerit point added to her disciplinary record, her first offence in 24 months.

On the field, Mlaba has been a key performer with six wickets from three matches in the World Cup, including a 2/46 spell that helped South Africa secure a thrilling three-wicket win over India.

Recapping the 10th encounter of the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, Nadine de Klerk's majestic half-century powered South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket victory over India in the ongoing Women's World Cup. South Africa recovered from an early batting collapse in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. De Klerk's fightback stunned India as South Africa chased 252 in the penultimate over.

It wasn't the result the Women in Blue were looking for, as they suffered their first defeat of the competition at the hands of a defiant South Africa.

The Proteas are now, at least momentarily, inside the top four on the standings, behind only Australia, England and India. They now have a four-day break before they meet with Bangladesh in Visakhapatnam.

South Africa Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the gesture wasn't right, let's not make this bigger than it is. One demerit point seems fair. The real story is how South Africa chased down 252! What a match! 🇮🇳🤝🇿🇦
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan from UK watching this tournament, I must say Indian fans are being very reasonable about this incident. In other countries, this would have blown up much bigger. Respect for the mature response!
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Ananya R
Harleen Deol is such a talented player! Mlaba's gesture shows she was probably frustrated by Harleen's batting. Our women's team is playing amazing cricket this World Cup 💙
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Michael C
The punishment seems appropriate - a reprimand and one demerit point for a first offense in 2 years. Let's focus on the incredible cricket being played by both teams! Women's cricket has come so far globally.
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Vikram M
Honestly, this is much ado about nothing. In the heat of the moment, players do these things. We've seen worse in men's cricket. Let's move on and enjoy the tournament! India will bounce back stronger 💪
K
Kavya N
The spirit of cricket must be maintained. While competitive spirit is good, respect for

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