Alzarri Joseph fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct in first ODI vs Bangladesh

West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been fined 25 percent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against Bangladesh in St. Kitts and Nevis. Joseph was found guilty of violating Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to the "use of an audible obscenity."

The incident occurred prior to the start of play, during an exchange with the fourth umpire. Joseph reportedly used offensive and abusive language after being advised not to step onto the pitch with his spikes on. Following the breach, Joseph also received one demerit point, his second in a 24-month period. The pacer admitted to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The decision was overseen by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, with charges levelled by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Leslie Reifer, third umpire Asif Yaqoob, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.

Despite the disciplinary setback, the West Indies managed to secure a morale-boosting five-wicket victory over Bangladesh, breaking their 11-match losing streak against



the Tigers. The hosts chased down a challenging target of 295 with 14 balls to spare, thanks to Sherfane Rutherford's sensational maiden ODI century.

Rutherford's 80-ball 113, studded with seven fours and eight sixes, was instrumental in overturning a sluggish start to the chase. The West Indies were in a precarious position at 134 for 3, needing 161 runs off the last 114 balls. Rutherford's aggressive counter-attack, highlighted by consecutive sixes off Soumya Sarkar, shifted the momentum decisively.

The left-hander shared a pivotal 99-run partnership with captain Shai Hope, who contributed an 88-ball 86. Rutherford's late blitz, in tandem with Justin Greaves (41* off 31 balls), ensured a smooth finish. Greaves fittingly struck the winning runs to cap off the chase.

The West Indies' chase began poorly, losing both Brandon King and Evin Lewis early to Bangladesh's pace attack. Tanzim Hasan Sakib trapped King lbw for 9, and Nahid Rana sent Lewis back with a fiery 148.9 kph delivery. At 27 for 2, Hope and Keacy Carty worked to stabilize the innings before Rutherford and Greaves took charge in the latter half.