Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews won the battle against Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan after the latter’s controversial timed out appeal at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Shakib had appealed for timed out as Mathews could not face his first delivery within two minutes of the wicket falling as his helmet’s strap broke. Even the on-field umpires asked Shakib whether he would like to withdraw the appeal but he denied it twice. Later, Mathews had his revenge as he got Shakib’s wicket.
Shakib was batting on 82 when Mathews was brought back into the attack. Shakib mistimed and Charith Asalanka took a diving catch to dismiss Bangladesh captain. Mathews did not celebrate aggressively and just pointed to his wrist to signal that his time was over at the crease. Mathews’ mute celebration has been making rounds on social media.
Later, Mathews dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto as well. Shanto had pushed Shakib to appeal for timed out dismissal. Shanto departed after scoring 90 runs from 101 deliveries. He dragged a delivery onto his stumps. Shakib and Shanto shared a 169-run partnership for the third wicket in the run chase of 280.
After Bangladesh's three-wicket win over Sri Lanka, Mathews in the post-match presentation termed it a "disgraceful act".
“I have done nothing wrong. It’s a disgraceful act from Shakib and Bangladesh. There was no common sense at that moment. This is the lowest an opposition team stooped to in my 15-year international career,” Mathews told the reporters.
“Up until today, I had the utmost respect for him and the Bangladesh team. Obviously, everyone plays to win. If it is within the rules, it is fine but the rule clearly says in my incident today. Within two minutes I was there. We have video evidence. We will put out a statement later on. I am not just making things up but talking with proof. From the time the catch was taken to the time arrived at the crease, I still had five seconds left after breaking my helmet,” the all-rounder further added.
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