In a groundbreaking moment in the realm of international cricket, Sri Lankan batsman Angelo Mathews etched his name in the annals of the sport as the first player to be given out due to a “timed out” dismissal.

The incident unfolded during Sri Lanka’s innings in the 25th over, right after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s dismissal at the hands of Shakib Al Hasan, caught by Mahmudullah near the boundary. Mathews, a seasoned Sri Lankan all-rounder who entered the World Cup as a replacement player, found himself in an unexpected predicament.

Upon making his way to the crease at No. 6, Mathews encountered a brief hiccup with his helmet. The strap of his helmet broke just as he was preparing to take his guard. As he signaled to the dressing room for a new helmet, the Bangladesh team seized the moment to lodge an appeal for a “timed out” dismissal. To Mathews’ astonishment, the umpires upheld the appeal, and he had to reluctantly make his way back to the pavilion.

The incident sparked discussions and deliberations between Mathews, the Bangladesh team, and the umpires. Despite the conversations, the appeal was not withdrawn, ultimately resulting in Mathews’ departure from the field.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 playing conditions pertaining to “timed out” dismissals stipulate that following a wicket or a batter’s retirement, the incoming batter must be prepared to face the next ball or for the other batter to be ready within 2 minutes of the previous dismissal or retirement. Failure to adhere to this requirement results in a “timed out” dismissal, as experienced by Angelo Mathews in this extraordinary cricketing moment.