Cricket World Cup: Aussie all-rounder fined by ICC for battle with Pakistan bowler

Australia's Shane Watson, left, celebrates with teammate Glenn Maxwell after they defeated Pakistan by six wickets in their Cricket World Cup quarterfinal. Photo / AP.

Australia are still in the dark over exactly what Shane Watson has been fined for following last night's epic battle with Pakistan quick Wahab Riaz.

The ICC announced via a tweet that both protagonists had been charged, but bizarrely are yet to release details of the charges.

As brilliant and enthralling as Wahab was, it's hardly a surprise the ferocious left-armer has been fined after he continually got in Watson's face.

Wahab clapped sarcastically at Watson on a number of occasions, exchanged words and even blew a kiss to the under-siege Australian star.

Post-match, Wahab revealed the sledge from Watson that sent him into a frenzy.

While batting himself at the end of the Pakistan innings, Wahab was asked by Watson "Is that a bat you're holding?"

It was cheeky stuff from Watson, but hardly a chargeable offence.

While batting it was difficult to see Watson had done anything except stand back and cop the barrage of abuse being sent his way.

Australian officials are at a loss to explain why their hero is likely to face a fine and are yet to be notified.

After the match Watson waited to shake Wahab's hand.

The ICC has pledged to crack down on perceived ugly on-field behaviour, but the umpires last night took two overs of Wahab's intimidation tactics to even step in.

Earlier, the umpires had words with Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc moments after he sledged Wahab over failing to hit the ball.