ICC takes strict action on Heinrich Klaasen, but not for fight with Mohammad Rizwan

South Africa National Cricket Team batter Heinrich Klaasen has been penalized by the ICC for his antics during the second ODI against the Pakistan National Cricket Team. The match between the two teams took place at Newlands Park in Cape Town on Thursday (19th December).

Heinrich Klaasen has been fined 15% of his match fee for committing a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. The keeper-batter expressed his frustration after getting out as he kicked the stumps in agony before leaving the field.

One demerit point has also been added to Heinrich Klaasen's disciplinary record following his antics

Not only was he docked 15% of his match fee, but one demerit point has also been added to his disciplinary record. This was his first offense in a while. Heinrich Klaasen violated Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

The article of the ICC relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.” He committed the offence during the 43rd over of the second innings when he was removed by young fast bowler Naseem Shah. The sanctions were charged by Match Referee Richie Richardson.

Heinrich Klaasen was the lone fighter for the South Africa National Cricket Team with the bat in the second ODI

Heinrich Klaasen was the lone fighter for the South Africa National Cricket Team with the bat as they were chasing the massive target of 330 runs. The keeper-batter didn't get the support from the other hand, but he made sure that he gave his best with the bat in the match.

Chasing the target, South Africa National Cricket lost wickets at regular intervals. The keeper-batter held the one end and with the way he was batting, it seemed that he would take his team home. But that wasn't the case, as he was the last wicket to fall for his side.

Pakistan National Cricket Team won the match by 81 runs

Heinrich Klaasen played a magnificent innings of 97 runs off 74 balls. He batted with a strike rate of over 131 and also slammed 8 fours and 4 sixes. His innings powered the South Africa National Cricket Team to a total of around 248 runs, which at one stage seemed impossible.

Earlier in the first innings, Pakistan National Cricket Team skipper Mohammad Rizwan played a vital inning of 80 runs while Babar Azam also chipped in with 73 runs. A late blitz from Kamran Ghulam (63) powered the visitors to a total of 329 runs.

With this win, Pakistan National Cricket Team went on to win the series by taking the unassailable lead of 2-0. The last match of the series between the teams is all set to take place on Sunday (22nd December) at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The Proteas would be keen to make a comeback and avoid the whitewash.

Also read: "He was cursing himself": Imam-ul-Haq mocks Rohit Sharma, reveals how Babar Azam helped India skipper