Du Plessis and co. penalised for slow over-rate

Johannesburg [South Africa], Oct.13 (ANI): South Africa have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during their 31-run win in the fifth and final ODI against Australia in Cape Town last evening. Faf du Plessis' side was ruled to be one over short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration. In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount. As such, Du Plessis has been fined 20 percent of his match fee, while his players have received 10 percent fines. If South Africa commits another minor over-rate breach in an ODI within 12 months of this offence with du Plessis as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by du Plessis and he will face a suspension. After the match, Du Plessis pleaded guilty to the offences and accepted the proposed sanctions by Chris Broad of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge laid by on-field umpires Shaun George and Joel Wilson, third umpire Nigel Llong and fourth official Adrian Holdstock .(ANI)