Introduction:

When Mathews was removed, the score was fairly balanced, with Sri Lanka at 135-4 and needing 145 runs to win. With a broken helmet strap, Mathews had been called to the crease. But he was unable to get ready to face the first ball within the two minutes required by the competition rules.

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, requested the umpire to award Mathews the batter’s wicket. The decision sparked a heated debate, with some fans and pundits accusing Bangladesh of “poor sportsmanship.”

However, Shakib defended the appeal, saying that he was simply following the rules. “We are not here to play games with anyone,” he said. “We are here to play hard cricket and win matches.”

Sri Lanka went on to lose the match by three wickets. Mathews called Bangladesh’s appeal “disgraceful”. However, Bangladesh’s victory was a historic one, as it was their first win over Sri Lanka in a Cricket World Cup match.

Bangladesh’s batting performance:

Bangladesh’s batting performance in the match was led by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan. Who put on a 169-run partnership for the third wicket. Shanto scored 90 runs, while Shakib made 82 runs.

The duo helped Bangladesh to recover from a shaky start, and they set a solid foundation for the run chase. Bangladesh’s other batsmen also chipped in with useful contributions. They eventually reached the target with three wickets and 53 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack:

Moreover, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was unable to contain Bangladesh’s batsmen. They leaked runs at an economy rate of 5.5 runs per over. The only bright spot for Sri Lanka was the performance of Wanindu Hasaranga, who took three wickets.

However, the other bowlers were unable to support Hasaranga, and Bangladesh were able to chase down the target without too much trouble.

Conclusion:

One of the most contentious games of the Cricket World Cup will always be remembered as Bangladesh’s stunning victory over Sri Lanka. The decision to give Mathews out timed out was a controversial one, but it was perfectly legal according to the rules of the game.

Bangladesh’s victory was a testament to their fighting spirit and their ability to perform under pressure. They will be looking to build on this momentum and continue their good form in the Cricket World Cup.