In a tense moment during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, South Africa’s left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was officially reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
The incident took place during South Africa’s fiercely contested clash against India in Visakhapatnam, when Mlaba dismissed Harleen Deol and followed it up with a “goodbye wave” directed at the departing batter. The ICC panel later ruled that the gesture fell under Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct, which prohibits any language, actions or gestures that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.
The flashpoint came in the 17th over of India’s innings. Mlaba, bowling with her usual control, outfoxed Deol with a sharply turning delivery. As the Indian batter walked off, cameras caught Mlaba giving a brief wave, a moment that immediately drew attention from the umpires and match officials. While such expressions of passion are often part of the sport’s intensity, the ICC found it to have crossed the line of acceptable behaviour.
Following a review, Mlaba received an official reprimand, her first offence within a 24-month period, and one demerit point was added to her record.
On the field, Mlaba’s performance has been one of the bright spots for South Africa throughout the tournament. With six wickets in three matches, she has been central to her team’s success. Against India, her spell of 2 for 46 was vital in breaking partnerships and setting up South Africa’s memorable win, India’s first defeat of the tournament.
In what was a thrilling World Cup clash at Visakhapatnam, India posted 251, thanks to a superb 94 off 77 balls from Richa Ghosh, who rescued the side after an early collapse. Despite a good start from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, India’s middle order faltered under pressure from South Africa’s disciplined bowling, led by Chloe Tryon (3/32) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/46).
Chasing 252, South Africa recovered from early setbacks as captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a steady 70 off 111 balls. The match turned dramatically when Nadine de Klerk unleashed a blistering unbeaten 84 off 54 balls, guiding her team to victory by three wickets with seven balls to spare.
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