Sri Lanka middle-order batsman Angelo Mathews termed captain Shakib al Hasan and Bangladesh team “disgraceful” for the “timed out” dismissal after Shakib appealed and later refused to withdraw the plea.
Bangladesh won the high-tempered match by three wickets in the end, but the main talking point of the encounter was that “timed out” dismissal of Mathews which happened in the 25th over of the first innings.
Shakib said in the post-match press conference that the out and the appeal were within the laws of the game, but Mathews cited a lack of common sense and called Shakib and the Bangladesh side disgraceful for their part in the incident.
“I haven't done anything wrong. I have two minutes to get to the crease and get myself ready, which I did. And then it was an equipment malfunction. And I don't know where the common sense went, because obviously it's disgraceful from Shakib and Bangladesh. If they want to play cricket like that stooped down to that level, I think there's something wrong drastically,” said Mathews during the post-match media conference at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi Monday.
“Because I did not pass my two minutes to get to the crease and the law says you have to be ready within the two minutes and I was there at about one minute 45 or 50 seconds. And I still had five more seconds to go after my helmet broke off. And the umpires also have said to our coaches that they didn't see my helmet breaking. I mean, I was just asking for my helmet.
“So, it was just pure common sense. I'm not talking about mankading or obstructing the field here. This is just pure common sense and bringing the game into disrepute. It is absolutely disgraceful,” he added.
Sri Lanka players did not shake hands with their Bangladesh counterparts after the game ended, going against in what is a common practice across the sporting world.
Bangladesh players from the dressing room were seen getting into a line as usual after the game to shake hands.
Bangladesh team management later shook hands with the Sri Lanka team management but the Lankan players left the field by that time without performing that courtesy.
When asked whether sportsmanship was shown from Sri Lanka’s behalf after the match ended, Mathews defended their behavior and said he lost respect for Shakib.
“You need to respect people who respect us. 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?” said Mathews.
“Upto today, I had utmost respect for him (Shakib) and Bangladesh team. Obviously, you all play to win. And if it's within the rules, it's fine. But the rule clearly says, in my incident, within two minutes I was there. We have video evidence. We will put out a statement later on. We have video evidence, footage and everything was looked. I'm not just coming and saying things here. I'm talking with proof,” he concluded.
Bangladesh are now sitting at seventh in the points table with equal four points but boasting a better net run rate of -1.142 compared to the Lankans (-1.16) and the Dutch (-1.398).
And with the loss Monday, Sri Lanka are knocked out of the World Cup and will have to be content instead battling for a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy, just like Bangladesh.
