Bangladesh created history of sorts in Delhi on Monday (November 6), as they registered their first-ever Cricket World Cup win over Sri Lanka and also eliminated the 1996 winners from the semi-final race. Bangladesh also enhanced their hopes to qualify for the Champions Trophy in 2025.
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh captain, won the toss and elected to bowl first and his bowlers backed up the decision by bowling out Sri Lanka for 279 in the 50th over on a good batting pitch with dew expected in the evening. Charith Asalanka (108) scored a terrific ton but rest of the Sri Lankan batting failed to get going. Shoriful Islam (2/51), Shakib (2/57), and Tanzim Hasan Sakib were the main wicket-takers for Bangladesh.
The biggest talking point of the innings was the 'timed out' dismissal of Angelo Mathews, who became the first batter in history of international cricket to suffer the fate. The batter was given out after failing to be ready to take strike in the stipulated time of 2 minutes, as his helmet strap broke for which he asked for help from dressing room.
Shakib saw the opportunity and appealed for timed out, which left the umpires with no choice but to give the veteran batter out on 0 without facing a ball. Mathews argued and fumed on his way back, also throwing his helmet away in disgust.
Bangladesh's reply was led by Najmul Hossain Shanto (90) and captain Shakib's 82, as the team clinched a three-wicket win with 53 balls to spare. Mathews had some sweet revenge as he dismissed Shakib and gave him a time out send-off. The players from both teams did not shake hands after the match as the Sri Lankan players walked off to show their protest at what had happened earlier.
WATCH- Angelo Mathews’ epic 'time' taunt to Shakib Al Hasan after getting his wicket
In the post-match presentation ceremony, Sri Lanka captain, Kusal Mendis expressed disappointment at the dismissal, as he told the broadcasters Star Sports: “It's very disappointing - when Angelo came to the crease, there were 5 second left. Then he found out strap of the helmet came off. It's disappointing umpires couldn't step in and make correct decision.”
Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan his decision by saying he was at 'war' and followed the laws, though he wasn't sure whether the rule was right or wrong.
“One of our fielders came to me and said if you appeal now he'll be out. Then I appealed and the umpires asked me if I'm serious or whether I am going to take it back. It's in the laws. I don't know if it's right or wrong. I was at war and I had to take a decision to make sure my team wins. Right or wrong, there will be debates but if it is in the rules I don't mind taking those chances.” he said.
