Watch- South African bowler grabs Bangladesh batsman's helmet; violence erupts

South African bowler Tshepo Ntuli and Bangladeshi batter Ripon Mondol engaged in a physical confrontation during the match between the Emerging teams. Ntuli was seen grabbing Mondol’s helmet on the second day of the four-day game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on May 28.

The four-day match between the two teams began on May 27. Bangladesh opted to bat first and posted 242 for 7 at stumps on Day 1. Iftakhar Hossain Ifti (109) and Moin Khan (91) added crucial runs. On the second morning, the lower order added 45 and 67 runs for the eighth and ninth wickets, respectively.

Tshepo Ntuli Grabs Ripon Mondol’s Helmet

A physical altercation broke out between off-spinner Tshepo Ntuli and No.10 batter Ripon Mondol during the match. The confrontation began after Mondol hit Ntuli’s first delivery of the 105th over for a straight six.

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As the ball cleared the boundary, the broadcast followed its flight. When the camera returned to the pitch, Ntuli was seen approaching Mondol, exchanging heated words before shoving him and grabbing the grill of his helmet.

Mondol responded by pushing Ntuli away, as umpires and South African fielders quickly stepped in to separate the two. The incident has raised concerns about player conduct in international developmental cricket.

It remains uncertain whether Ripon Mondol said something to trigger the incident. Notably, Ntuli went on to dismiss Mondol, who scored 43 runs, 12 overs later, as Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 371.

Match Referee Salim Shahed Addresses Tshepo Ntuli–Ripon Mondol Altercation

The game does not carry official first-class status, but the altercation could still lead to disciplinary action. Match officials are expected to review the incident and determine suitable consequences, particularly as this fixture marks the end of the series.

Match referee Salim Shahed confirmed that a formal report on the altercation between Tshepo Ntuli and Ripon Mondol will be submitted for review. Shahed stated that he is awaiting the umpires’ account of the incident, after which he will determine disciplinary measures.

"Once I receive the umpires' report, I will prepare my report with suggestions of punishment. I will send that two both boards so that they can take action based on my report," Shahed told The Daily Star, adding that another South Africa had already served a one-match suspension during the one-day series.

Things got out of control between Tshepo Ntuli and Ripon Mondol during the SA Emerging vs Bangladesh Emerging match today and the umpires were forced to intervene pic.twitter.com/EhYC6KVj4u

— Werner (@Werries_) May 28, 2025

Iftakhar Hossain Ifti Lifts Bangladesh with a Century on Day 1

On Day 1, Bangladesh made a poor start after opting to bat, losing opener Ashiqur Rahman Shibli for a duck and slumping to 58 for 5 by the end of the first session. Among the early dismissals were skipper Shahadat Hossain (1) and Md Rizwan (7).

Despite the early collapse, Iftakhar Hossain Ifti and Moin Khan mounted a strong recovery with a 179-run stand for the sixth wicket.

However, Bangladesh’s momentum was disrupted late in the day as both Ifti and Moin were dismissed in quick succession. For South Africa, Andile Mokgakane stood out with figures of 3 for 20, while Tshepo Ntuli contributed with 2 for 63.

Also read: Watch: Virat Kohli amused and bewildered after Rishabh Pant's century celebration in LSG vs RCB