South Africa fined for slow over-rate in Centurion Test

Dubai, Jan 17 (Cricketnmore):  South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was on Wednesday fined 40 per cent of his match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the team's 135-run win against India at Centurion.

ICC match referee Chris Broad imposed the fine after du Plessis's side was ruled to be two overs short of their target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

"In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 percent 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, de Plessis has been fined 40 percent of his match fee, while his players have received 20 percent fines. If South Africa commit another minor over-rate breach in a Test 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," the ICC said in a statement.

Du Plessis pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Michael Gough and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Richard Kettleborough and fourth umpire Allahudien Palekar.

With Wednesday's win, South Africa have taken an unbeatable 2-0 lead as they head to Johannesburg for the third and final Test against Virat Kohli's men from January 24.