Tensions flared between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh following their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday. After all-rounder Angelo Mathews became the first-ever batter to be ‘timed out’ in the history of international cricket, Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis and the entire team refused to participate in the customary post-match handshake with Bangladesh. Watch the video below.
After the BAN vs SL match, when Bangladesh secured the winning runs, the Sri Lankan players did not engage in a handshake or pleasantries with the Bangladesh batters, specifically Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Towhid Hridoy. There was no exchange of gestures between the teams, and Bangladesh did not attempt to defuse the situation.
What caused the heat between Kusal Mendis and Bangladesh team?
During Sri Lanka’s innings, Bangladesh’s captain, Shakib al Hasan, made a successful appeal for the ‘timed out’ dismissal against Angelo Mathews. This decision was upheld by both the on-field umpires and the third umpire. Bangladesh ultimately won the match by three wickets.
The umpires provided clarification regarding the rule, but Mathews disagreed, asserting that he had reached the crease within the two-minute time frame. He also mentioned that the strap of his helmet had broken, which he believed should be considered a safety equipment malfunction.
During Sri Lanka’s fielding innings, they greeted Shakib with a fiery reception as he stepped out to bat. Additionally, when Shakib was dismissed, Mathews signaled a “time out” gesture by pointing towards his wrist, adding to the tension. The atmosphere remained tense even after the match ended with Bangladesh emerging as the winners.
Regarding the match, Sri Lanka’s chances of reaching the World Cup semifinals were extinguished by Bangladesh. Bangladesh, who had already been eliminated from semifinal contention, secured a three-wicket win with 53 deliveries remaining, putting an end to their six-match losing streak.
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