Earlier this week, controversy arose in the 2023 World Cup when Sri Lanka’s well-known all-rounder Angelo Mathews became the first batsman in international cricket history to be ‘timed out’. This rare incident happened in the 25th over of the first innings of the Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh match. Mathews was given a timed-out decision for not reaching the crease within two minutes of Sadeera Samarawickrama being out.
Following an appeal from Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan, the umpire decided to send Mathews back, adhering to World Cup cricket rules. Despite an argument between Mathews and Shakib, the former decided not to change his decision, resulting in the departure of the veteran all-rounder.
Although Sri Lanka was eliminated from the tournament after losing, there was a noticeable change in attitude as the team played its last group match against New Zealand on Thursday. Kane Williamson engaged in a conversation with Mathews as he approached the crease, likely over the prior controversy, which resulted in a moment of laughter between the two. Trent Boult had also mocked Mathews in a friendly manner, adding to the lighthearted exchange with the New Zealand skipper.
Kane Williamson asking Angelo Mathews if he had checked his Helmet strap when he came to bat. 😂😂😂#NZvsSL #WorldCup2023india #ICCWorldCup #AngeloMatthews pic.twitter.com/cHbdneWEZ8
— Saber (@SabirCafe) November 9, 2023