Bangladesh wins a gripping 3-wicket match as Shanto and Shakib put an end to SL World Cup chances

Strange dismissals in cricket are nothing new to Indian supporters. It’s easy to remember Steve Waugh being dismissed for “handling the ball” in Chennai during the historic 2001 Border-Gavaskar series. Another identical incident occurred in Peshawar in 2006 when Inzamam-ul-Haq was dismissed for ‘obstructing the field’ as Suresh Raina hurled the ball towards the stumps.

Another such incident occurred on Monday when all-rounder Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka became the first player from outside the country to be “timed out” in the ongoing World Cup’s fifth and final match at the Feroze Shah Kotla.

The unusual dismissal and the ensuing controversy overshadowed Bangladesh’s victory by three wickets, which eliminated Sri Lanka from the semi-final competition. The innings was higher than Charith Asalanka’s outstanding 108 off 105 balls, which led Sri Lanka to 279 in 49.3 overs. It also overshadowed the 172-run third-wicket stand between Shakib Al Hasan (82) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (90), which put a stop to Bangladesh’s skid of six straight losses with 8.5 overs remaining.

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After Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed in the 25th over, Sri Lanka was in a vulnerable position at 135/4 when their most experienced player left the field. When Mathews saw that his helmet’s chin strap was broken, he wasn’t exactly running to the crease to take Shakib on.

The seasoned player removed his helmet and gestured to the changing area, indicating that he required a replacement. Umpire Marais Erasmus told Mathews that he had been “timed out” after receiving an appeal from Bangladesh captain Shakib, even before Chamika Karunaratne dashed to the middle with a second helmet.

A bewildered Mathews grinned at first, taking the decision lightly before realizing how serious it was. After a protracted debate with Erasmus and square leg umpire Richard Illingworth, the 36-year-old spoke with Shakib, who grinned and told Mathews that the decision is ultimately up to the umpires. Mathews was declared out for a duck even before he faced a ball, so the Sri Lankan appealed to the umpires once more, who affirmed the dismissal. When he got to the dug-out, he took off his gloves and helmet in despair.

Rule 40.1.1 of the ICC playing conditions states that “Within two minutes of the dismissal or retirement, the incoming batter must be ready to receive the ball or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball, unless time has been called.” The entering batter will be out, timed out, if this condition is not satisfied.

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At 3:49 p.m., Samarawickrama was declared out, and at 3:54 p.m., Mathews was declared “timed out” after going more than 200 seconds without facing a ball. With the “spirit of the game” issue making a comeback on the debate agenda, the dramatic circumstances quickly descended into controversy. Centurion Asalanka told the station, “My point is that Mathews’ dismissal was not good for the spirit of cricket.”

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn stated that the decision “was not cool,” and former India opener Gautam Gambhir described the dismissal as “absolutely pathetic.” In support of Mathews, Australian hitter Usman Khawaja stated, “Angelo made his crease then his helmet strap broke.” How come it’s expired? If he doesn’t make his crease, I’m all for timed out, but this is absurd. Similar to a batsman reaching the crease and needing three minutes to face up.

It’s interesting to note that reserve umpire Adrian Holdstock informed the media during the middle of the innings break that the TV umpire watches the two minutes after a wicket falls and then notifies the on-field umpires of the situation. Even before the strap started to bother him, the batter in the afternoon’s incident wasn’t prepared to receive the ball inside those two minutes. Before he had gotten the next delivery, two minutes had passed,” Holdstock stated.

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“The fielding captain called for a timed out immediately after the strap fell loose. Before you bat in the middle, as a hitter, make sure you have everything you need since you have to be ready to face the ball in two minutes, not prepare to take your guard or get ready. In theory, you should arrive there in fifteen seconds or less to ensure that everything is set up before you actually catch the ball.”

Strangely, Mathews was the one who removed Shakib from the game. When Shakib started to move toward the dressing room, the Sri Lankan gestured to his wrist, signaling that it was time for him to leave.

Although this was the first “timed out” dismissal in international cricket, Hemulal Yadav is the only Indian among six other batsmen who have experienced this in first-class cricket. In December 1997, he was awarded during a Ranji Trophy match in Cuttack between his side, Tripura, and Orissa.