Zimbabwean batter Sean Williams has been officially reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second ODI against Pakistan. The infraction relates to Article 2.8, which penalizes “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.”
The incident occurred in the 26th over of Zimbabwe’s innings when Williams, adjudged LBW to Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, expressed dissent by pointing to his bat in protest. Williams scored 31 runs in Zimbabwe’s total of 145 before Pakistan chased down the target without losing a wicket to level the series 1-1.
Williams received an official reprimand, and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. This is his first offence within the ICC’s 24-month monitoring period.
The charge was filed by on-field umpires Michael Gough and Forster Mutizwa, third umpire Iknow Chabi, and fourth umpire Langton Rusere.
Williams admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
Under ICC regulations, Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
The ongoing three-match series has been a closely contested affair. Zimbabwe stunned Pakistan in the first ODI with an 80-run victory via the DLS method. However, Pakistan bounced back in the second match, powered by Saim Ayub’s blistering century, to secure a dominant win.
With the series now tied at 1-1, the final ODI promises to be an exciting decider as both teams aim for victory at the Queens Park Sports Club in Bulawayo.