In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh secured a thrilling 3-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their Cricket World Cup 2023 match on Monday. The match was a roller coaster ride, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination. However, it was a bizarre incident in the 25th over that stole the headlines. Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews was dismissed for being “timed out,” becoming the first player in international cricket history to be given out in this manner. The dismissal sparked controversy and debate, overshadowing Bangladesh’s thrilling victory.
Bangladesh’s Solid Start and Early Setbacks for Sri Lanka
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to post a challenging total for Sri Lanka to chase. Their openers, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan, provided a solid start, putting on a 169-run partnership. The duo anchored the Bangladesh innings, providing stability and scoring at a steady pace.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain Shanto and Hasan, with only Lahiru Kumara (2/50) managing to pick up two wickets. However, after their dismissals, Bangladesh’s middle order faltered, and they lost wickets in quick succession.
Despite the late flurry of wickets, Bangladesh managed to post a competitive total of 282/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Early Stumbles and Asalanka’s Defiant Knock
Sri Lanka began their chase with caution, knowing that Bangladesh’s bowling attack was capable of taking wickets. Openers Kusal Mendis (34) and Pathum Nissanka (36) provided a solid start, but their dismissals triggered a collapse.
Sri Lanka lost four wickets in quick succession, and at one stage, they found themselves teetering on the brink of defeat at 135/4. However, Charith Asalanka played a defiant knock of 108*, giving Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope.
Asalanka hit 12 fours and 3 sixes, taking on the Bangladesh bowlers with disdain. He received valuable support from Wanindu Hasaranga (37), who played a crucial innings of his own. The duo put on a partnership of 88 runs for the fifth wicket, bringing Sri Lanka back into contention.
The Controversial Dismissal of Angelo Mathews:
1. Critical Moment:
- In a crucial juncture of the match, with Sri Lanka eyeing an improbable victory, Angelo Mathews faced a controversial dismissal in the 46th over.
2. “Timed Out” Dismissal:
- Mathews was dismissed under the rarely seen “timed out” rule, adding an unexpected twist to the game.
- The rule specifies that a batsman can be given out if he doesn’t take his batting stance within a set time limit.
3. Incident Details:
- The controversy stemmed from Mathews leaving the crease to engage in a discussion with a teammate, and he failed to return to his position within the prescribed time.
4. Rule Explanation:
- The rule aims to maintain the pace of the game, ensuring that players are prompt in taking their positions and contributing to a smooth flow of play.
- Mathews’ delay in returning to the crease triggered the application of this rule.
5. Bangladesh’s Appeal and Umpire Decision:
- Bangladesh, recognizing the opportunity, appealed for Mathews’ dismissal based on the timed-out rule.
- The umpires, after considering the appeal, decided in favor of Bangladesh, leading to Mathews being declared out.
6. Impact on Sri Lanka:
Mathews’ dismissal had a significant impact on Sri Lanka’s chances of securing a win, leaving them in a challenging position in the match.
The controversy surrounding Mathews’ dismissal revolved around the application of the timed-out rule, raising questions about its fairness in certain situations. The incident played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the match, adding an unexpected layer of drama and debate.
Bangladesh’s Late Resurgence and Thrilling Victory
The dismissal of Mathews left Sri Lanka in a difficult position, and they lost their remaining wickets in quick succession. Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened the screws, and they eventually bowled Sri Lanka out for 279 in 49.3 overs.
Masum Ahmed (2/40) and Hasan Mahmood (2/48) were the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, picking up two wickets each.
Bangladesh’s Victory and Sri Lanka’s Elimination
Bangladesh won a really exciting game in the Cricket World Cup, which means they get to play in the semi-finals—super cool for them! But sadly, Sri Lanka lost, and that means they’re out of the tournament now. The match had lots of ups and downs, making it super memorable.
But there’s a bit of a bummer because some people are talking a lot about a moment when a key player from Sri Lanka, Mathews, got out in a way that not everyone agrees with. So, while Bangladesh is celebrating, some fans might feel a bit mixed up about the ending of the game. Anyway, Bangladesh is moving forward, and Sri Lanka’s journey in the tournament has come to an end.
Match Summary: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
1. Bangladesh Innings:
- Bangladesh scored a total of 282/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
- Key Performances:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored for Bangladesh with an impressive 90 runs.
- Shakib Al Hasan played a crucial innings, contributing 82 runs to the team’s total.
- Lahiru Kumara was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 2 wickets for 50 runs.
- Other notable contributions came from various players, contributing to a competitive team total.
2. Sri Lanka Innings:
- Sri Lanka chased a target of 283 runs but fell short, finishing their innings at 279/10.
- Charith Asalanka played a stellar innings, scoring an unbeaten 108 runs, providing a lone fight for Sri Lanka.
- Wanindu Hasaranga made a valuable contribution with 37 runs.
- Masum Ahmed and Hasan Mahmood were the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, taking 2 wickets each for 40 and 48 runs, respectively.
3. Result:
Bangladesh won the match by 3 wickets, successfully chasing down the target set by Sri Lanka.
4. Man of the Match:
Shakib Al Hasan from Bangladesh was named the Man of the Match for his crucial contribution of 82 runs with the bat.
This match was marked by notable individual performances, with Shakib Al Hasan standing out for his all-round excellence. Despite Sri Lanka’s fighting effort led by Charith Asalanka, Bangladesh emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter, securing a 3-wicket win.
Conclusion
In the conclusion of this blog, it’s evident that Sri Lanka faced a disappointing outcome in the World Cup as they were timed out of the tournament. Bangladesh, on the other hand, secured a thrilling 3-wicket victory, showcasing their resilience and determination. The match was undoubtedly full of excitement and twists, leaving cricket fans on the edge of their seats.
The result marks a significant moment in the World Cup journey for both teams, with Bangladesh celebrating a memorable win and Sri Lanka facing the disappointment of being timed out of the competition.