Bangladesh 'time out' Mathews, boot out Sri Lanka from World Cup 2023

CHARITH Asalanka's century went in vain as Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in an inconsequential match of the World Cup at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday (6).

Sent into bat by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan who won the toss, middle-order batter Asalanka scored a 105-ball 108, while opener Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama made identical scores of 41 runs each to help Sri Lanka make 279 for the loss of all wickets in 49.3 overs.

Bangladesh scored the required runs in 41.1 overs for the loss of seven wickets. The loss saw Sri Lanka crashing out of the tournament as the third team after Bangladesh and defending champions England. The win, on the other hand, saw the Tigers climbing to the seventh position to better their chances of qualifying for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025.

The Sri Lankan innings was marred by an incident where Angelo Mathews became the first international cricketer to be 'timed out' after not being ready to face the ball within two minutes of the fall of a wicket.

The 36-year-old walked out to bat after the dismissal of Samarawickrama but had some issues with his helmet strap and signalled for a replacement, prompting Bangladesh to appeal for a 'time out'. Mathews was seen having an animated discussion with the umpires but the Sri Lankan was asked to leave the field.

Later, Najmul Hossain Shanto (90) and skipper Shakib Al Hasan (82) shared 161 runs for the third wicket to lay the foundation for the win, reaching 282 for 7 in 41.1 overs.

Dilshan Madushanka (3/69) was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, while Angelo Mathews (2/35) returned with two wickets, including the scalp of Shakib.

(With PTI inputs)