Ibrahim Zadran, the Afghanistan opener, enjoyed a great time with the bat – scoring a stylish 95 against Bangladesh in the third ODI in Abu Dhabi – just five challenges shy of a fitting century. Zadran’s innings, however, had a negative ending after he was dismissed, as the 22-year-old batter was clearly frustrated as he smashed his bat against the equipment as he walked back to the dressing. room – an incident which did not escape the notice of the ICC.

Zadran’s exhibition of emotion on the field came in the game that saw Afghanistan thrash Bangladesh by 200 runs and win the series 3-0. After the incident, the ICC had charged him with a Level 1 Code of Conduct offense to “abuse of cricket equipment or fixtures during an international match.”

Ibrahim Zadran accepts the charge, fined 15% of the match fee

The incident occurred during the 37th over, as Zadran was on 95 runs, off 111 balls, when Nahid Rana ran him out and he missed out on his 7th ODI century. He showed his frustration, by hitting his bat against the equipment area near the pavilion. The ICC fined him 15% of his match fees, and he received one demerit point, the first of his last 24 months.

Graeme La Brooy from the ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction. There was no hearing because Zadran accepted the charge. ICC rules state that Level 1 violations can see a maximum sanction of 50% of match fees and/or a maximum of 2 demerit points.

Regardless, Zadran played a key role in setting up a thriving total of 293 for 9 for Afghanistan. Mohammad Nabi chipped in with a blistering knock of 62* out off 47 deliveries to help post a strong total. Conversely, Bangladesh where skittled for 93 runs in just 27.1 of the innings with stalwart Bilal Sami achieving a remarkable five wicket haul in a series win for the Afghans.