Big blow to South Africa ahead of must-win West Indies clash as ICC punishes star player for arguing with umpire

South Africa's in-form batter David Miller has been handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Group 2 match against England at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on June 21.
 

Miller breached the Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "showing dissent at an Umpire's decision during an international match."
 

In the penultimate over of South Africa's innings, Miller wanted a 'no ball' for a high full toss bowled by Sam Curran. As the umpire did not agree with him and called it a legitimate delivery. The veteran batter wasn't happy with the call and signalled for a review which was not available.
 

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Chris Brown and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Chris Gaffaney. There was no nooned for a formal hearing as Miller accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe.

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However, Miller is unlikely to face a one-match suspension even if he shows dissent or gets involved in a verbal spat during the clash against co-hosts West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua. This was his offence in a 24-month period. A player can face a ban only if the demerit points reach four during this period. 
 

Miller’s form 

The 35-year-old has contributed with a few crucial knocks apart from the two single-digit scores and a duck against USA. He scored an unbeaten half-century against Netherlands at the group stage. In the previous encounter against defending champions England, he scored 43 runs and shared a crucial partnership with opener Quinton de Kock.

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Must-win game for South Africa

South Africa have been unbeaten in the tournament so far. However, with just one loss they can be knocked out of the tournament. Their net run rate (NRR) is inferior to West Indies and slightly better than England who face USA in their last Super 8 encounter. 
 

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