WATCH: Angelo Mathews slams Shakib Al Hasan for unfair ODI World Cup dismissal

Sri Lanka’s World Cup journey came to an end with a narrow 3-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in an intense encounter which took place in Delhi on Monday. The match will be remembered for a unique record as Sri Lanka’s veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews became the first player in the history of international cricket to be dismissed for a timed-out. 

The incident occurred when Mathews took an extended time to reach the crease during Sri Lanka‘s innings and subsequently requested a new helmet before facing his first delivery. This delay led to an appeal from Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, with the umpires ultimately upholding the appeal. Mathews displayed his frustration as he left the field, setting the tone for an emotionally charged evening.

Meanwhile, in a fiery press conference that could be described as one of the most explosive moments in his career, Mathews did not mince words as he lambasted the actions of Shakib and the entire opposing team. Mathews declared their behaviour as “obviously disgraceful.” 

Watch the video here:

“It was obviously disgraceful from Shakib and Bangladesh. If they want to take wickets like that and stoop down to that level, there’s something wrong, drastically. It’s a very disappointing way that Bangladesh played. If it was mankading or obstructing the field, there’s no issue. Within two minutes I was at the crease, and it was when I was at the crease that my helmet broke. The umpires saw this. I still had five seconds left. After I showed my helmet, the umpires said [Bangladesh] had appealed. So I asked where common sense was because my two minutes hadn’t passed.” Mathews said in the press conference.

I don’t think any other team would do that: Angelo Mathews

He went on to state that he had “never seen a team or player stoop so low” in his extensive career. The comments reflect the intensity of emotions that arose during the high-intense clash, where sportsmanship and fair play are deeply valued.

“I’ve got no words to explain it. In my 15 years of playing, I’ve never seen a team or a player stoop so low. Unfortunately [the strap breaking] happened against Bangladesh. I don’t think any other team would do that, because it was black and white. It was an equipment malfunction. It was a safety issue as well. We know that without a helmet I can’t face the bowling.” Mathews said.

“Up to today, I had the utmost respect for him and the Bangladesh team. You all play to win. If it’s within the rules, it’s clearly fine. But in my incident today, within two minutes I was clearly there. We have video evidence and we’ll put out a statement later on – I’m not just coming and saying things here. I’m talking with proof. From the time the catch was taken to the time I walked into the crease I still had five seconds after breaking my helmet.” he added.