In a high-stakes ODI World Cup match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Sri Lanka’s veteran all-rounder, Angelo Mathews, found himself at the center of a dramatic series of events that culminated in a sweet moment of redemption.
The saga began earlier in the day when Mathews took more than two minutes to take his strike during Sri Lanka’s innings. Bangladesh’s skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, appealed to the umpire, claiming that Mathews had taken an unusually long time to get ready. The appeal was upheld, and Mathews had to depart without facing a ball, leaving him visibly upset and frustrated.
This decision did not sit well with Mathews, who was the former Sri Lanka captain. He was clearly displeased as he trudged back to the pavilion, marking a rather contentious moment in the match.
However, fate had a twist in store. Later in the game, during Bangladesh’s chase, Mathews found himself in a position to exact revenge on Shakib. In the 32nd over, he bowled a delivery that caused Shakib to edge the ball into the air, and Charith Asalanka pulled off a remarkable diving catch to dismiss the Bangladeshi batsman.
What followed was the highlight of the match. Mathews, seizing the opportunity, gave Shakib a send-off that was hard to miss. With a smile on his face, Mathews pointed at his wrist, referring to the time it took for Shakib to be dismissed. This action was a clear reference to the earlier incident where Shakib had questioned Mathews’ delay.
WATCH: Mathews Delivers a ‘Timely’ Send-Off to Shakib Al Hasan After Dismissal
Shakib’s departure for 82 runs off 65 balls, adorned with 12 fours and a couple of sixes, marked a significant moment in the game. Mathews had successfully turned the tables, exacting his revenge with a hint of humor, and perhaps a touch of irony.
The earlier dismissal of Mathews had stirred controversy, with several former cricketers expressing their disapproval of Bangladesh’s appeal. The umpires engaged in a lengthy discussion with the players, including Mathews, before ruling in favor of Bangladesh’s appeal.
The decision left Mathews reluctantly walking back to the pavilion, with many spectators appearing baffled by the turn of events. Nevertheless, some Bangladesh fans applauded the decision.