Watch: Bangladesh's Shoriful Islam Teases Sri Lanka With 'Timed Out' Celebration

There’s no love lost between Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi players. The two teams have been involved in a few heated exchanges in the recent past with the infamous ‘timed out’ dismissal of Sri Lankan allrounder Angelo Mathews during the 2023 ODI World Cup being one of the most memorable of the lot.

Also Read: Wankhede Stadium to Host Ranji Trophy 2024 Final

Mathews became the first ever batter in ODI history to be ‘timed out’ after failing to take guard in time after the dismissal of a Sri Lankan batter against Bangladesh last year. Mathews was quite displeased with the turn of events and later on mocked Sri Lanka captain Shakib Al Hasan by pointing to his watch after dismissing him.

With the two teams squaring off for the first T20I of a three-match series in Sylhet on Monday, Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam added more fuel to the already tense rivalry between the two nations by imitating Mathews’ ‘timed out’ celebration when he dismissed Sri Lanka opener Avishka Fernando with the second delivery of the match.

Why was Mathews given timed out?

Mathews, during a world cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Delhi last year, failed to get ready in time to face the first delivery following the dismissal of Sadeera Samarawickrama. Mathews, after reaching the crease, realised the strap of his helmet was broken and quickly signalled to the Sri Lankan dressing room for a replacement.

As he was busy with getting a new helmet, Bangladesh appealed for a timed out and Mathews was given his marching orders. A disappointed Mathews indulged in a long discussion with the umpires and Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan but to no avail.

Sri Lanka take 1-0 lead

Meanwhile, the series opener turned out to be a high-scoring affair with Sri Lanka prevailing in a last-ball thriller. Sri Lanka posted 206/3 after half-centuries from Samarawickrama (61*) and Kusal Mendis (59). Captain Charith Asalanka belted an unbeaten 41 off 21.

Chasing the bog total, Bangladesh slipped to 68/4 before recovering to 115/5 and then 180/6. The hosts eventually finished at 203/8 as Sri Lanka won by 3 runs.