IND vs PAK: Pacer Arundhati Reddy reprimanded for aggressive Nidar Dar send-off

Arundhati Reddy has been reprimanded for her aggressive send-off to Nida Dar during India's match against Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup 2024.

In Short

• Arundhati Reddy was reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct
• Arundhati won the Player of the Match for her match figures of 3/19
• India won the match against Pakistan by 6 wickets in Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Indian pace bowler Arundhati Reddy has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during India's ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match against Pakistan. The incident took place in the final over of the first innings when Reddy dismissed veteran Pakistani batter Nida Dar and gave her an aggressive send-off gesture, pointing towards the pavilion. This action was found to breach Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, 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."

Consequently, one demerit point was added to Reddy's disciplinary record, and she was officially reprimanded. It was her first offence in a 24-month period. The charges were raised by on-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Lauren Agenbag, along with third umpire Jacquline Williams and fourth umpire Claire Polosak. Reddy admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Shandre Fritz of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. For Level 1 breaches, the minimum penalty is an official reprimand, while the maximum penalty can be 50% of the player's match fee and up to two demerit points.

Arundhati's aggressive send-off

Despite the incident, Reddy's on-field performance was remarkable. She won the Player of the Match award for her career-best bowling figures of 3/19 in four overs. Her efforts helped restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 105 and India eventually won the match by six wickets. Reddy dismissed key Pakistani batters Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, and Aliya Riaz in a standout performance that set the tone for the Indian team.

Arundhati won Player of the Match

The dismissal of Nida Dar was crucial, as the experienced Pakistani batter was looking to add valuable runs for her team in the final stage of the innings. Dar, who top-scored for Pakistan with 28 runs off 34 balls, attempted a big shot but missed the ball completely, resulting in Reddy castling her stumps. Fuelled by the intensity of the rivalry, Reddy's reaction was overly charged, leading to the disciplinary action.

The video of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing mixed reactions from fans. Regardless, Reddy's performance on the day was instrumental in India's victory.