ODI World Cup: Angelo Mathews defends team's decision to not shake hands with Ban after timed out controversy

Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has come out in defence of his team’s decision to not shake hands with the Bangladesh players after their clash on Monday (Nov 6) in the ODI World Cup. The match was embroiled in controversy after Mathews was judged timed out when Bangladesh appealed for the same in an important clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. While Bangladesh won the match, the tie went into the record books for all the wrong reasons.

Mathews on the controversy

"Yeah, you need to respect people who respect us. It doesn't mean that - they have to respect the game itself. I mean, we all are ambassadors of this beautiful game, including the umpires. So then, if you don't respect and if you don't use your common sense, what more can you ask for," Mathews said in the media conference after the match.

For the first time in international cricket history, a player was dismissed 'timed out' which saw Mathews go in the record books. The incident happened in the 25th over when Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed for 41 by Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan. Matthews took his time striding out to the crease and tookstrike after the stipulated two-minute mark. He then consumed more time as the strap of his helmet came off, prompting the umpires to have a word with him.Upon an appeal from the Bangladesh side, Mathews was judged 'timedout' by the umpires.

ALSO READ |Premier League: Ange Postecoglou defends refereeing decision in Chelsea defeat, says 'decisions are decisions'

What happened in the match?

In amust-win match to progress in the ODI World Cup, Sri Lanka put on 279 in 49.3 overs with Charith Asalanka scoring 108 off 105. His knock consisted of 6 fours and 5 sixes and it was arun-a-ball innings. Tanzim Hasan Sakib (80/3) was expensive despite scalping wickets while Shoriful Islam (52/2) and skipper Shakib (57/2) were also decisive.

In the chase, Najmul Hossain Shanto (90) and Shakib (82) laid the foundation and helped their side to an emphatic three-wicket win. They stitched a partnership of 169 runs which saw them end Sri Lanka’s challenge in the World Cup.