During the 2023 ODI World Cup, a controversial dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews sparked a heated debate. Mathews was ruled “timed out” in a crucial match against Bangladesh, igniting a storm of controversy.
The incident occurred in the 25th over when Mathews arrived at the crease after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s dismissal. However, he realized he had the wrong helmet and attempted to rectify the situation with the Bangladesh players and umpires.
Mathews indicated that the helmet strap had come off, but the damage had been done. Bangladesh appealed for a “timed out,” and despite Mathews’ animated protests, the appeal was not withdrawn.
Mathews’ frustration was evident as he threw his helmet in anger after leaving the field. Later, while bowling, he took the wicket of Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan and gestured towards his watch, a symbolic reference to the controversial dismissal.
The incident resurfaced during a T20I match between the two teams in Sylhet, where Shoriful Islam mimicked Mathews’ gesture after dismissing Sri Lanka’s Avishka Fernando.
The series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is seen as crucial preparation for the upcoming World Cup in June. Bangladesh has never defeated Sri Lanka in a T20 series, adding to the significance of this encounter.
