(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] In a surprising turn of events during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, a dramatic incident unfolded in the match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Bangladesh captain Shakib-Al-Hasan found himself in the spotlight when he appealed for a timed out decision against the Sri Lanka veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews.
As Mathews stepped up to the crease after the fall of Sadeera Samarawickrama’s wicket, he failed to assume his position within the stipulated two-minute timeframe. This prompted Shakib to invoke the timed out rule, which states that, “After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out.”
Mathews found himself in an unprecedented situation as the umpires declared him out, compelling him to leave the crease without even having the chance to face a single delivery. This marked a historic moment as Mathews became the first-ever victim of such a dismissal in the international cricket history. Nevertheless, play resumed after that, and Sri Lanka ended up with 279 runs in the first innings. Bangladesh, in just 41.1 overs, reached the target and loaded the game into their cart with a three-wicket win.
After the end of the match, both teams ignored the ritual and went back to their respective dressing rooms without even shaking hands with each other, which clearly suggests that the rivalry between the two teams had now taken a new route.
In the post-match press conference, Mathews was seen absolutely furious, blaming the Shakib for not showing sportsmanship.
Mathews also shed light on why the Sri Lankan players refrained from extending their hands to the Bangla Tigers, choosing not to partake in the customary handshake with the opposition at the conclusion of the day’s intense contest.
“Yeah, you need to respect people who respect us. It doesn’t mean that – they have to respect the game itself. I mean, we all are ambassadors of this beautiful game, including the umpires. So then, if you don’t respect and if you don’t use your common sense, what more can you ask for?” Mathews said as quoted in the post-match presser.