Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka became the first hitter in international cricket history to be timed out. The unique form of expulsion occurred on Monday during the team’s 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
After Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed, Angelo Mathews stepped out to bat in the 25th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. The seasoned hitter realized his helmet strap was broken as he prepared to take the strike.
He motioned towards the locker room for a helmet change. Following the delay, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan requested a time out.
The former Sri Lankan captain attempted to persuade the umpires that the helmet strap had broken after he got at the crease. According to the regulations, Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth had to throw him out.
Several supporters turned to social media to express their feelings on the contentious wicket. A group of fans and experts also chastised Bangladesh for not withdrawing their request. Here are some of the most common responses:
In ODI cricket, an incoming hitter must be ready to receive the next ball within two minutes of dismissal or retirement, according to the regulations.
Charith Asalanka Criticizes Angelo Mathews’ Dismissal as Against the Spirit of the Game
Charith Asalanka shone with the bat for Sri Lanka, scoring a magnificent century against Bangladesh. The southpaw scored 108 runs on 105 pitches, contributing to his team’s 279-run total.
During a mid-innings interview, Asalanka discussed Angelo Mathews’ performance and stated that it violated the spirit of the game. He stated:
“It’s always good feeling when you are getting a hundred and I’m feeling happy now. (On Angelo Mathews’ timed out dismissal) My point of view it’s not good for the spirit of the game. After that, Dhananjaya came and we had a good partnership. I love to have a partnership with Dhananjaya because he is a right-hander and I’m a left-hander and he always scores quickly.”
Charith Asalanka
Sri Lanka has won two of its first seven games and is now eighth in the 2023 World Cup points table.