Fans reacted angrily to Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s contentious timed-out appeal against Sri Lankan batsman Angelo Mathews during the 36th match of the 2023 World Cup on Monday (November 6) in Delhi.
The event occurred in the 25th over of the first innings of the match. Angelo Mathews, a veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder, came in after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s fourth wicket fell. Mathews arrived on time, but withdrew after spotting some problems with his helmet.
He then motioned to the locker area for another helmet. Shakib, furious, went on to protest to the umpire about the delay. Angelo Mathews was then ruled out by the authorities. He became the first batsman in international cricket history to be timed out. Shakib also refused to withdraw his petition after umpires and Mathews met with him.
Sri Lanka ultimately reached 279 in 49.3 overs. Shakib Al Hasan then hit a vital 82-ball 65 to help his team reach the goal in 41.1 overs. In the second innings, Mathews dismissed Shakib and sent him out with a wristwatch signal.
During the match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, fans were drawn to an unusual event. Through their responses on X, they conveyed their disgust with Shakib Al Hasan’s decision. Here are some of the most common responses:
Sri Lanka Captain Kusal Mendis Slams Shakib Al Hasan’s Timed-Out Appeal
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis voiced anger at his rival Shakib Al Hasan’s request for a timed-out against Angelo Mathews during the post-match presentation. Mendis had this to say about the incident:
“It’s very disappointing. When Angelo came into the crease, there was five seconds left. It was an equipment failure as he noticed the helmet strap had come off, the umpires should have intervened and logic should have prevailed. It is disappointing that umpires couldn’t step in and make the right decision.”
Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis reflected on the loss, saying:
“I think, Charith played a brilliant innings but we were 30-40 runs short. 320 would have been a good enough total on this pitch. I am happy Pathum, Sadeera and Dilshan few good players coming through. We have shown some promise and in the future, we will have a strong team to show more promise.
“When we were coming in, couple of main players were injured that is why we had to make so many changes. We could have played much better in the tournament which could have helped us going through to the last four.”
Kusal Mendis