Unusual events unfolded at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as Angelo Mathews found himself in the unprecedented situation of being ‘timed out,’ marking a first in cricket history.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first. Sri Lanka had an early setback as Kusal Perera was removed after reaching only four runs. Captain Kusal Mendis added 19 runs before Shakib Al Hasan grabbed his wicket. Pathum Nissanka (41) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (41) then played vital roles in rebuilding the innings, but Tanzim Hasan removed Nissanka, and Shakib dismissed Samarawickrama.
Charith Asalanka was looking for help, and Angelo Mathews stepped in when Samarawickrama was sent back.
However, even before Mathews got an opportunity to face a delivery, the umpires ruled in favor of Bangladesh’s petition for a time-out, leading to Mathews’ withdrawal from the field.
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The event transpired during the 25th over of the Sri Lanka innings, immediately after Shakib Al Hasan had dismissed Samarawickrama, caught by Mahmudullah near the boundary. It was at this point when Mathews, the No. 6 batsman, made his approach to the crease following Samarawickrama’s departure.
Mathews didn’t rush; he took his time while strolling in, but as he prepared to take guard, he found a dilemma. His helmet’s strap broke away, and he motioned to the dressing room for a replacement helmet. Everyone on the field waited for the new helmet to come.
The Sri Lankan team’s substitute player did bring the correct helmet, but by that time, Bangladesh had already called for a “time out.” Mathews sought to negotiate with the umpires and Shakib Al Hasan, but their judgment wasn’t altered.
Upon getting dismissed from the field, Angelo Mathews couldn’t disguise his fury and aggressively discarded his helmet.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 playing conditions about “timed out” dismissals reads thus:
40.1.1: “After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out.”
Matthews, having taken nearly two minutes to face his first delivery, found himself back to the pavilion after the appeal. This represented a unique milestone in the history of international cricket, whether in the men’s or women’s game, as it was the first instance of a batter being removed under the “timed out” rule.
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