NEW DELHI: Harshit Rana's conduct during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi did not sit well with the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the Indian pacer has been reprimanded for his provocative gesture towards Dewald Brevis.

"Harshit was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match,"" ICC stated in release.

The flashpoint unfolded in the 22nd over of South Africa's innings, when Harshit dismissed Brevis and then pointed toward the dressing room in celebration. The gesture was deemed provocative and potentially capable of triggering an aggressive reaction from the batter.

As a result, Rana was handed one demerit point on his disciplinary record - his first in the past 24 months.

The Indian pacer did not contest the charge and accepted the penalty issued by match referee Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel.

India won the match by 17-runs against South Africa on the back of a superb century from Virat Kohli.