After the Sri Lanka all-rounder became the first international cricketer to be ‘timed out’ for not being ready to face the ball within two minutes of the fall of a wicket, Mathews hit out at Bangladesh over their ‘disgraceful’ actions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
“It was disgraceful from Shakib Al Hasan and Bangladesh. If they want to play cricket like that, there is something drastically wrong. Just disgraceful. Up to today I had a lot of respect for Shakib, but he lost it all. We have video evidence, we will put it out later,” a disappointed Mathews said in the post-match presser.
“It was Bangladesh that’s why it happened, I don’t think any other team would’ve done it. I’ve played for 15 years, I’ve never seen a team going down to that level.” Mathews added.
The dramatic dismissal happened in the 25th over of the Lankan innings when the 36-year-old walked out to bat after the dismissal of Sadeera Samarawickrama but found that the helmet strap was broken and immediately signalled for a replacement instead of facing the bowler Shakib Al Hasan.
This prompted Bangladesh to appeal for a ‘time out’. Mathews was seen having an animated discussion with umpire Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth, explaining that he had some issue with the helmet strap. He also approached Shakib, who didn’t withdraw his appeal and the Sri Lankan cricketer was forced to leave the field.
A furious Mathews, who made a late entry into the World Cup as a replacement player, walked back to the dug out, smashing his helmet outside the boundary rope in disgust.
After the game, the Lankan players avoided shaking hands with the Bangladesh counterparts, which Mathews defended saying, “we’ll respect them if they respect us.”
In the post match presentation Player of the Match Shakib defended his appeal and said that he was ‘at war’ and took the decision to ensure his team benefitted from it.
World Cup 2023: Bangladesh secures 3 wickets victory over Sri Lanka
“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,” Shakib said.
Bangladesh went on to win the ill-tempered game by 3 wickets, chasing down 280 with 53 balls to spare.
Watch World Cup 2023: Angelo Mathews becomes first ever player to be timed out in cricket | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
