Angelo Mathews was denied a perfect revenge on Shakib Al Hasan after he was controversially dismissed ‘Timed Out’ in Sri Lanka’s innings, following an appeal from the Bangladesh captain, but was foiled by a dropped catch at short extra cover.
Matthews became the first batsman in the history of international cricket to be dismissed for a time-out during Sri Lanka’s innings in Delhi. After Sadheera Samarawickrama was sent off by Shakib, the former captain took longer than the allotted two minutes to prepare for the next ball. Shakib subsequently appealed and Matthews was released. Matthews appealed to officials and Shakib to simply change his helmet before kickoff, but he was forced to leave the field without facing the ball. Due to the wicket, Sri Lanka lost 5 runs in 25 overs.
The dismissal caused a stir among players and commentators, with Matthews and some members of the Sri Lankan camp clearly upset by the dismissal. Shakib faced criticism from TV and online commentators for allowing the appeal. But Matthews almost had his own ally.
Charice Asaranka’s incredible 100 points meant Bangladesh needed 280 points to win and struggled in the early stages. Dilshan Madhushanka took two early wickets of Tanjid Hasan and Litton Das and left Bangladesh with 2 for 41. This allowed Shakib to reach the wicket and Matthews was brought in to bowl after his fourth over.
Nazimul Hossain Shanto’s first pitch of the innings was a strike, but Shakib hit a single and it became a strike. He tried to deflect Matthews’ first pitch, which was well outside the off stump, but missed completely. Shakib crossed the pitch again to receive the second ball, swung wide again and hit the ball towards short extra cover where Asaranka was waiting. He dove low to his left and grabbed the ball, but he couldn’t grab it because the ball dropped as soon as he hit the ground.
Matthews turned his head back, irritated at the missed opportunity. He then took Shakib’s wicket, but only after the all-rounder had scored his 82.
To bet on the World Cup with our Match Centre Partners bet365 head here.
