Although both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are out of the race for a spot in the semi-finals of ICC World Cup 2023, a different things were down the line; a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Shakib-Al-Hasan-led Bangladesh team made sure they did everything "within the law" to get the win against Sri Lanka in Delhi on Monday.
It was the 25th over and Bangladesh captain Shakib-Al-Hasan just had got out Sadeera Samarawickrama caught by Mahmudullah Riyad at square leg. Angelo Mathews was all set to come down as the number six batter and then in a turn of things, another chapter to Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh in cricket got written.
Angelo Mathews, could not arrive on time as he lost his helmet in the dressing room and could not take the guard within the given time "by law". Mathews took his time walking in, and then struggled with his helmet as the strap broke just as he was taking guard. So, Shakib-Al-Hasan appealed for the wicket and by the game's law, the umpire had to give him out as Angelo Mathews became the first-ever player to be "timed out" in cricket.
In the post match press-conference, when he was asked about if Shakib have any regrets, the Bangladeshi captain said, "Not at all."
Further he said, "one of our fielders came to me and said, if you appeal, the law says he's out because he hasn't taken his guard within the time frame. So, then I appealed to the umpires, umpire told me whether you're going to call him back or not, if I said he's out, then you call him back, it doesn't look good. I said I won't call him back."
The Bangladeshi captain acknowledged the fact although he was sad seeing Mathews getting out like this, but it was totally with the law of the game.
"We played under-19 together, World Cup, so I know Angelo for a long, long time, since 2006. Yeah, unfortunate, but within the rules," he added.
Although it was surely within the rules of the game, many asked if it was appropriate or within the gamesmanship of the game. Shakib was clear about it. He feels, if it is not within the gamesmanship of cricket, ICC should take a call and change the rule. Moreover, as per him, if things like this happens to him, he would accept that and would be careful from the next time.
"Well, then ICC should look into it and change the rules," Shakib answered as the reporters questioned his gamesmanship.
"As I told someone earlier that we have been playing since 2006, you know, against each other. We have played a lot of games against Sri Lanka. I know him very well; he knows me very well. So, he came and asked me whether if I withdraw my appeal or not If I want to, I said, you know, I understand your situation. It was unfortunate, but I don't want to," Shakib then went on to add.
After their win against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh now are at number seven position in the ICC World Cup 2023 points table and surely be hopeful of making it to the ICC Champions trophy in 2025 where top seven teams from this world cup would qualify.
