Bangladesh emerged victorious against Sri Lanka in a dead-rubber match, as both teams had no chance to qualify for the semifinals. But this dead rubber match was made interesting by the controversial wicket of Angelo Matthews. For the first time in international cricket, a batsman was dismissed by the decision of ‘timed out’. Angelo Matthews arrived five seconds before the stipulated time, but had to go and change his helmet due to a strap malfunction.

Shakib al-Hasan realized that two minutes had passed since Matthews had faced his first delivery and appealed for the decision. The third and fourth umpires reviewed this decision and concluded that Matthews was out. This incident left a distaste in the Sri Lankan team, and it was on their minds for the whole match. The Sri Lankan and Bangladesh players did not shake hands after the match, and this has added more spice to the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh rivalry.

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first. Sri Lanka set a target of 279 for Bangladesh, and this was an average score considering the high totals being scored in this World Cup at this ground. Sri Lanka were in a difficult position after Matthews dismissal, but Charith Asalanka saved the Lankans with an amazing century while striking above hundred. Valuable contributions came from Dhanajaya De Silva and Maheesh Theekshana, who scored handy thirties and twenties to boost the total. 

End of first innings: Sri Lanka 279-10; Charith Asalanka 108 (105); Sadeera Samawickrama 41 (42); Tanzin Sakib 10-80-0-3. Shoriful Islam 9.3-52-0-2.

Bangladesh had to chase down 280 runs, and they managed to get 169 thanks to a partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto at the third wicket. Despite the late wickets towards the end, the two left-handers, who have had a poor World Cup, came out today to make it a reasonably comfortable win.

This loss confirms Sri Lanka’s elimination from the semifinals. There wasn’t enough on the board at a location where this competition has seen some high scores. They had some hope after Dilshan Madushanka took two early wickets, but Shakib and Shanto snatched the game away once they were settled and the dew set in.

End of second innings: Bangladesh 282-7. Najmul Shato 90 (101); Shakib al Hasan 82 (65); Maheesh Theekshana 9-44-0-2; Dilshan Madushanka 10-69-1-3.

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