ODI World Cup digest: Mathews embroiled in timed out drama; Australia face spin threat

ODI World Cup digest: Mathews embroiled in timed out drama; Australia face spin threat،

The Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 is now gearing up for the final on November 19. Every morning, we’ll round up the latest action and news from the event and bring you the perspectives of our journalists on the ground.

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Headlines: Bangladesh win over Sri Lanka amid timed drama in Delhi

Bangladesh 282 for 7 (Shanto 90, Shakib 82, Madushanka 3-69) beaten Sri Lanka 279 (Asalanka 108, Nissanka 41, Tanzim 3-80) by three wickets

Another chapter has been written in the history of sub-continental cricket’s most gripping rivalry, in which Bangladesh emerged as deserved winners against Sri Lanka, winning by three wickets and, most importantly, 53 deliveries in Delhi. The margin of victory means Bangladesh have moved ahead of Sri Lanka on the points table in terms of net run rate, while Bangladesh, Netherlands and Sri Lanka all have four points and all three – as well as l England – are still in contention for the two remaining places at the 2025 Champions Trophy.

This was, however, a game in which one solitary incident overshadowed everything else. The now usual controversy associated with the ‘Naagin Derby’ was a historic first this time, as Angelo Mathews was dismissed for a deadline – the first example of a rare dismissal in international cricket.

Click here for the full report

Explanation: Mathews’ deadline expired – what happened

Angelo Mathews became the first player to suffer a timeout in international cricket after his helmet malfunctioned during Sri Lanka’s World Cup group match against Bangladesh in Delhi, adding further drama to a rivalry that didn’t lack any.

Mathews was already on the field and in his final preparations before striking against Shakib Al Hasan. The strap on his helmet broke as he tightened it around his chin. He requested a replacement helmet, which was provided to him by Chamika Karunaratne. Shakib then appeared to start a discussion with Marais umpire Erasmus, after which Mathews, as he was not ready to face his first ball within two minutes to do so as the ICC playing conditions permit, was informed that he had been arrested.

Read the full article by Andrew Fidel Fernando

What to watch: Shakib Al Hasan explains his actions

Shakib: “In a battle, I will do whatever it takes to win”

Shakib Al Hasan speaks out on controversial dismissal of Angelo Mathews

News headlines

Match Preview

Afghanistan vs Australia, Mumbai (2 p.m. IST; 8:30 a.m. GMT; 7:30 p.m. AEDT)

Kumble: Spin can trouble Australia at Wankhede

Raunak Kapoor, Aaron Finch and Anil Kumble look ahead to the Afghanistan vs Australia match in Mumbai

There was a time when facing Afghanistan in a World Cup gave Australia no fear. The five-time world champions have been nothing short of merciless in the previous two ODI World Cup encounters. In 2015, in Perth, Australia piled up 417 for 6, while David Warner scored 178, en route to a 275-run victory. In 2019, at Bristol, Australia completed a seven-wicket victory with 91 balls to spare after bowling out Afghanistan for 207 before Warner made 89 again.

But there is no chance the 2023 Australians will head to Wankhede Stadium assuming they will win at a gallop again. Afghanistan poses a huge threat, despite Australia’s five-game winning streak. Afghanistan have won three in a row themselves and have already beaten England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands as they try to secure a first place in the semi-finals.

Full overview

Team News

Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), 5 Azmatullah Omarzai, 6 Ikram Alikhil (week), 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Naveen- ul-Haq/Noor Ahmad, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi

Australia (probable): 1 David Warner, 2 Travis Head, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Steven Smith/Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Josh Inglis (week), 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Marcus Stoinis, 8 Pat Cummins (captain), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11, Josh Hazlewood

Report: Maxwell prepares to face Afghan spinners

Glenn Maxwell stands diagonally behind the Australian team nets. Arms crossed, body straight, cap worn backwards on head, dark glasses covering eyes presumably fixed on what is happening in the nets.

He saw Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis smash the ball. He’s had enough of Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne being thrown at. And the way he holds his pose just a few steps from the net with a straight, impassive face, it looks like he was forbidden from hitting and was punished even more by watching his teammates smother the ball in the net , especially given the number of races that could once again be on offer at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.