In an electrifying Match 38 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, the Bangla Tigers, led by Shakib Al Hasan, clinched a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, finishing the chase of 280 runs with 53 balls remaining, stirring the cricket world with both their performance and a controversial appeal.
Controversy Strikes with Angelo Mathews’ Dismissal
The match took a sensational turn when Angelo Mathews became the first player to be declared ‘timed out’ in international cricket. Facing helmet issues and unable to bat within the two-minute window, Mathews’ dismissal post Shakib’s appeal became the center of a heated debate. The incident not only sparked controversy but also overshadowed the on-field achievements, with Mathews slamming the opposing team’s actions as ‘disgraceful’ in the aftermath.
Standout Performances Overshadowed
Amidst the commotion, stellar performances by Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with captain Shakib’s 82, powered Bangladesh to snap their six-match losing streak. While the game will be remembered for its contentious moments, these key contributions played a pivotal role in steering Bangladesh towards a potential top seven finish and a spot in the 2023 Champions Trophy.
The final whistle did not just mark a significant win for Bangladesh but also sealed Sri Lanka’s fate, eliminating them from the tournament. This match in New Delhi will go down in cricket history, not just for the remarkable play but for the heated debates it has ignited across the cricketing fraternity.