India opener Shafali Verma has been officially reprimanded by the ICC for a Code of Conduct breach during the hosts’ win in the 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur. Shafali, India’s T20I vice-captain, was handed a demerit point for hurling the ball onto the ground after dropping a catch in Sunday’s contest, where India clinched the series with a game to spare.

The incident occurred in the 12th over of the Zimbabwean innings when Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano lofted a Shree Charani delivery towards mid-off. Shafali, who was stationed there, shelled a catching opportunity, before the ball hit her jaw. She then threw the ball onto the ground in frustration.

Shafali was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”

With Shafali accepting the sanction imposed by match referee GS Lakshmi, there was no need for a formal hearing. The demerit point marks Shafali’s first offence in a 24-month period.

Shafali produced the star turn with the bat in the contest, smashing an unbeaten 55 off 25 as India cantered to a 103-run target inside the ninth over. The final T20I of the three-match series will be played at the same venue on Tuesday (October 20).