I Don't Know If It's Right Or Wrong: Shakib Al Hasan On Angelo Mathews' Controversial Dismissal

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has justified his decision to appeal for Angelo Mathews’ wicket during the game against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday (November 6). The World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was marred by Mathews’ controversial dismissal.

Mathews became the first player to be timed out in international cricket after failing to be ready to face the first ball within two minutes. While he managed to arrive at the crease in time, a broken chinstrap in the helmet meant he was not ready to face his first ball. As Mathews asked for a new helmet, Shakib Al Hasan appealed for his wicket and the umpires adjudged the Sri Lanka allrounder out.

Shakib Al Hasan justifies appeal:

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Shakib Al Hasan justified his appeal against Mathews and also revealed how things unfolded during the incident. The Bangladesh captain revealed that one of his teammates asked him to appeal and he did not hesitate. The on-field umpires also asked him to reconsider his decision but he did not withdraw his appeal and Mathews had to walk back.

“One of our fielders came to me and said if you appeal now he’ll be out. Then I appealed and the umpires asked me if I’m serious or whether I am going to take it back. It’s in the laws,” said Shakib Al Hasan.

“I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. I was at war and I had to take a decision to make sure my team wins. Right or wrong, there will be debates but if it is in the rules I don’t mind taking those chances,” he added.

As far as the match was concerned, Shakib Al Hasan led his team from the very front and guided them to a hard-fought 3-wicket win. Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka were all out for 279 with Charith Asalanka scoring a century. In reply, Bangladesh crossed the finishing line in the 42nd over. Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 90 while Shakib Al Hasan scored 82 for their side.