Shakib Al Hasan Feels "Like He Was At War" After Time Out Controversy

In a World Cup match here on Monday, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan claimed he felt like he "was at war" when he chose to confront the umpire and demand that Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews be "timed out" for failing to be ready to face the ball within two minutes of the wicket falling.

After Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed in the 25th over, Mathews went to bat but noticed that his helmet strap was broken. Instead of facing Shakib, the bowler, he signaled for a replacement right away.

Bangladesh then made an appeal for a "time out" as a result. Mathews was observed arguing angrily with Richard Illingworth and umpire Marais Erasmus, stating that he was experiencing problems with the helmet strap. Additionally, he went up to Shakib, who refused to back down from his appeal and made the Sri Lankan cricket player leave the field.

It was as if I were in combat. All that I had to do, I completed. Debates will take place. I won't deny that today's time out was helpful," Shakib remarked following the game.

"One of our field workers approached me and threatened to remove Matthews if I filed an appeal. I was asked if I was serious by the umpire. I'm not sure if it's right or wrong, but it's in the laws," Shakib continued.

Kusal Mendis, the captain of Sri Lanka, said the umpires ought to have made a "good decision" regarding the matter.

"There were five seconds remaining when Mathews reached the crease. He discovered the helmet's strap when he emerged. It was underwhelming. The Sri Lankan captain stated, "We expected him to score runs for us; it's disappointing that the umpires couldn't step in and make good decisions."

On Monday, Shakib and Najmul Hossain Shanto's 169-run partnership proved to be too much for Charith Asalanka, who scorched a scorching 108 off 105 balls. Bangladesh was able to chase down the 280-run target in 41.1 overs with seven wickets down.

Mendis claimed that his team could have won by scoring an additional 30 to 40 runs.

"Charith played a brilliant innings, but we were 30-40 runs short; 320 would have been good enough on this wicket. He remarked, "I'm glad that Dilshan, Sadeera (Samarawickrama), and Pathum (Nissanka) are making it through.

"I believe we'll have a very strong, promising team in the future. We had a few injuries, which is why there were so many additions and changes," he continued.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.