Only 642 balls were bowled at Newlands last week as India won by seven wickets on day two of the second Test against South Africa to draw the series 1-1.

The Proteas were dismissed for 55 and 176 with India, who made 153 in their first innings, reaching their victory target of 79 on January 4 for the loss of three wickets.

The ICC has announced the pitch was deemed "unsatisfactory" after match referee Chris Broad™s report had expressed the concerns of the match officials.

"The pitch in Newlands was very difficult to bat on," Broad was quoted as saying on the ICC website.

"The ball bounced quickly and sometimes alarmingly throughout the match, making it difficult to play shots.

"Several batters were hit on the gloves and many wickets also fell due to the awkward bounce."

Venues receive one demerit point if their pitches and outfields are rated as unsatisfactory by the match referee.

If a venue reaches six demerit points, it is suspended from hosting any international cricket for 12 months.

The penalty is 24 months in case of 12 demerit points, with the tally remaining active for a rolling five-year period.

Cricket South Africa has 14 days to appeal against the ICC sanction.

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