Bangladesh and Sri Lanka’s heated rivalry took a new turn on Monday, November 6, when Angelo Mathews became the first batter in international cricket to be “timed out” during their ODI World Cup 2023 clash in Delhi. The incident sparked heated exchanges between players from both teams, with Mathews later taking to social media to share proof that he had reached the crease before the two-minute time limit elapsed.
Despite the controversy, Mathews played a pivotal role in denying Bangladesh’s star players, Shakib Al Hasan and Najmul Shanto, their centuries. He dismissed Shakib for an impressive 82 runs off 65 balls, and then sent Shanto back to the pavilion after the latter had fought hard for his 90 runs off 101 balls. However, the match was marred by the “timed out” controversy, which is sure to be debated for some time to come.
Proof! From the time catch was taken and the time helmet strap coming off pic.twitter.com/2I5ebIqkGZ
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) November 6, 2023
Najmul Shanto, who had been struggling for form in recent matches, turned his fortunes around with a crucial 169-run partnership with Shakib Al Hasan. The partnership propelled Bangladesh from 41 for 2 to 211 for 4, significantly changing the game’s momentum.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra opines on Angelo Mathews’ timed-out dismissal in SL vs BAN 2023 World Cup clash
Shanto’s impressive performance came after a series of low scores, with only 28 runs in his last six matches in the ongoing World Cup. However, he showed great resilience and skill on the field to play a match-defining innings against Sri Lanka. In the first innings, Sri Lanka owed their competitive total of 279 runs to Charith Asalanka’s maiden ODI World Cup century.
Asalanka’s brilliant knock of 108 runs off 105 balls, featuring six boundaries and five sixes, set the stage for Sri Lanka’s challenging total. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis also made significant contributions with 41 runs each, ensuring Sri Lanka had a competitive total on the scoreboard.
ALSO READ: Michael Vaughan slams Mohammad Hafeez for calling Virat Kohli ‘selfish’
The nail-biting encounter between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka showcased the true spirit of cricket, with both teams displaying exceptional skills and determination. Mathews’ crucial dismissals and Shanto’s fighting innings made the match a memorable spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
