Angelo Mathews was denied a perfect revenge on Shakib Al Hasan after he was controversially dismissed ‘Timed Out’ in Sri Lanka’s innings, following an appeal from the Bangladesh captain, but was foiled by a dropped catch at short extra cover.
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Mathews became the first batter ever to be dismissed ‘Timed Out’ in the history of international cricket during Sri Lanka’s innings in Delhi. After Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed by Shakib, the former captain took longer than the specified two minutes to be ready to face the next ball. Shakib consequently appealed and Mathews was given out. Despite appealing with the officials and Shakib that he only wanted a change of helmet before facing up, Mathews had to walk off the field without facing a ball. The wicket left Sri Lanka five down in the 25th over.
The dismissal caused a stir among players and commentators, with Mathews and a number of the Sri Lanka camp visibly angry about the dismissal. Shakib came under fire from commentators both on the TV and online for upholding the appeal. However, Mathews very nearly got his own back.
A stunning hundred from Charith Asalanka meant Bangladesh would require 280 to win, and they struggled early on. Dilshan Madushanka took two early wickets, of Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das, to leave Bangladesh 41-2. That brought Shakib to the crease, with Mathews brought on to bowl four overs later.
Najmul Hossain Shanto was on strike for his first ball of the innings but picked up a single to bring Shakib on strike. He looked to flay away the first ball from Mathews which was well outside off stump, but missed completely. Shakib came down the pitch once again to the second ball, taking another massive heave and hitting the ball towards short extra cover where Asalanka was waiting. He dived low to his left and got his hands to the balls, but couldn’t cling onto it as it spilled out upon his impact with the ground.
Mathews threw back his head in frustration at what was a golden opportunity missed. He did later take Shakib’s wicket, but only after the all-rounder had made 82.
