3 biggest controversies in Sri Lanka-Bangladesh rivalry ft. Angelo Mathews’ Timed-Out dismissal

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka is peak entertainment for cricket fans as both the Asian teams show great fighting spirit on the field. Sometimes this rivalry gets heated and gets involved in some controversial incidents. A new chapter was added when the two faced each other in Match 38 of the 2023 ODI World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on November 6.

Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews created history by becoming the first player to be Timed out. The veteran was a bit late to resume the game after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s dismissal. His helmet was found to be broken and by the time he got a replacement, the 2-minute rule was invoked, leading to his bizarre dismissal. The Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan denied Mathews’ explanation and upheld his decision as the batter had to depart for a ‘diamond duck’.

Later in the second innings, Mathews completed his revenge by taking the wicket of Shakib and giving an epic mocking send-off with a ‘time’s up’ gesture. There was no handshake between the players after Bangladesh’s 3-wicket win. Shakib did what was written in the rulebook, but his act was definitely against the spirit of the game.

Here’s a look at the top 3 controversies from previous battles between the two teams.

• Fight during a Nidahas Trophy 2018 match 

During Bangladesh’s batting innings in a 2018 Nidahas Trophy match, ‘waterboy’ Nurul Hasan had a heated exchange with Sri Lankan captain Thisara Perera. Veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah got into an argument with the umpires over a no-ball decision. Meanwhile, Hasan, who came onto the field with drinks, engaged in verbal altercations with the Sri Lankan players. The wicketkeeper batter was later fined 25% of his match fee.

•  Captain Shakib Al Hasan called the Bangladesh players back

Another controversy that grabbed attention in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy was when Bangladesh skipper Shakib called his players back during the closing moments of the match. The all-rounder got into an argument with the reserve umpire over a no-ball decision. Lyndon Hannibal did not listen and this provoked Shakib to call back Mahmudullah and Rubel Hossain. The game, however, resumed after a while and Bangladesh eventually beat Sri Lanka and celebrated aggressively.

•  Aggressive celebration by Bangladesh after beating Sri Lanka in 2018 Nidahas Trophy

Bangladesh knocked out hosts Sri Lanka from the race to the final against India in the tri-nation T20I tournament. The visitors won the game by two wickets and one ball to spare. Unable to contain their excitement of a thrilling win, the Tigers celebrated by breaking the dressing room doors at the R Premadasa Stadium. According to reports, Bangladesh team management had to pay for the damages done by the players.