Zadran fined for outburst after outscoring Tigers

Would Ibrahim Zadran have reacted the same way after his dismissal if he'd known Afghanistan would end up winning by 200 runs against Bangladesh on Tuesday? Probably not. But in the heat of the moment, with a hundred in sight and the adrenaline coursing through his veins, frustration got the better of him at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The right-handed opener, who fell five runs short of a hundred after anchoring Afghanistan's innings, lost his cool on his way back to the dressing room. His bat had spoken with authority all afternoon, but his temper flared just once, as he struck out at some equipment near the boundary tunnel.

The ICC found him guilty of breaching Article 2.2 of its Code of Conduct, which relates to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match." It was a Level 1 offence -- the mildest on the disciplinary scale -- but a mark nonetheless. Zadran received one demerit point and a fine -- 15 per cent of his match fee -- his first offence in the past 24 months. He admitted the charge and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Graeme La Brooy, sparing the need for a formal hearing.

Ironically, his brief burst of frustration came on a day when almost everything else fell into place. His 95 off 11 deliveries was the backbone of Afghanistan's imposing 293 for six. Chasing a total that loomed like a mountain, the Tigers, toothless in reply, were bundled out for 93, two runs shy of Zadran's personal tally despite Saif Hassan's 43. The 200-run margin is joint-highest Bangladesh suffered in the format on away grounds, equaling the 2017 defeat to South Africa while chasing 370 in East London. 

At the end of the day, one man outscored an entire team. Afghanistan swept the series 3-0, their bowlers hunting in packs, their batter striking with purpose. As for Zadran, if only he'd known how comfortably his side would cruise, he might've walked back to the dressing room with the quiet smile of a man who'd already done more than enough.