NEW DELHI: Not only did South Africa suffer the heaviest defeat in ODI cricket history, but to make matters worse, they have also been fined five per cent of their match fee for a slow over-rate in the third ODI against England in Southampton on Sunday.
Match referee Javagal Srinath imposed the penalty after South Africa were deemed to be one over short of the target, even after considering allowances for time lost. Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are fined five percent of their match fee for every over not completed within the stipulated time.
"Captain Temba Bavuma pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC confirmed in a statement. Umpires Nitin Menon, Russell Warren, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Mike Burns levelled the charge.
The penalty came just a day after South Africa endured a historic low, suffering a crushing 342-run defeat to England - the biggest margin of victory ever recorded in ODI cricket.
Pacer Jofra Archer took four wickets and England restored some pride to deny South Africa a series sweep in the third and final ODI.
Batting first after losing the toss, England scored 414/5 in 50 overs at Southampton's Rose Bowl with centuries from Joe Root (100) and 21-year-old Jacob Bethell (110). Jos Buttler smashed a 32-ball 62 not out. Opener Jamie Smith also hit 62 in 48 deliveries.
In reply, South Africa was dismissed for 72 in 20.5 overs after being reduced to 24/6 at one point. Temba Bavuma was injured while fielding and did not bat.
South Africa had already sealed the series with a narrow five-run victory in the second ODI on Thursday, eventually taking the contest 2-1 despite the heavy defeat in the final game.
