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In a shocking turn of events, Bangladesh‘s wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim stirred controversy by ridiculing Sri Lanka‘s all-rounder Angelo Mathews through a mocking ‘broken helmet’ celebration following Bangladesh’s triumphant four-wicket victory in the 3rd ODI held in Chattogram on Monday (March 18).
Escalation of hostilities: World Cup incident and tensions between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
The animosity between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka reached new heights during the recent ODI World Cup encounter. Shakib Al Hasan‘s contentious timeout appeal against Mathews, who failed to return to the crease promptly due to a damaged helmet, ignited tensions further. Despite Mathews’ earnest request for a brief respite to address the helmet issue, Bangladesh’s refusal to retract their appeal led to Mathews’ unprecedented dismissal, fueling the flames of rivalry.
While Mathews’ helmet predicament appeared genuine, Bangladesh captain Shakib’s steadfastness in upholding the timeout appeal further escalated tensions. Since then, matches between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have become fraught with heightened hostility, fueled by the unresolved grievances from the previous encounter.
Retaliatory gestures: Sri Lanka’s watch-tapping celebration
In a retaliatory gesture following Sri Lanka’s T20I series victory celebrations, earlier in the tour, marked by tapping watches – a direct reference to the controversial World Cup incident – Bangladesh’s emphatic response came after their ODI series triumph, symbolized by Rahim’s provocative ‘broken helmet’ celebration.
Also READ: Angelo Mathews and other Sri Lanka players mock Bangladesh with ‘timed out’ celebration after series win; Najmul Hossain Shanto reacts
Bangladesh’s response
Following the climactic finale of the three-match series, where Bangladesh clinched victory by four wickets, thereby securing the series 2-1 in their favor, they seized the opportunity to retaliate against Sri Lanka. In a post-match spectacle, Rahim orchestrated an iconic celebration, symbolizing Bangladesh’s triumph.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s iconic ‘broken helmet’ jibe at Angelo Mathews
In a bold move during the group photo, Rahim produced a helmet seemingly out of thin air and engaged in animated gestures, reminiscent of Mathews’ actions during the contentious timeout dismissal. Mathews had initially appealed for a timeout, attributing the delay to a broken strap in his helmet. Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, Bangladesh’s players, initially taken aback by Rahim’s antics, quickly embraced the opportunity to mock Sri Lanka in a bold and unabashed manner.
Here’s the video:
Roar of the L̶i̶o̶n̶s̶ Tigers 🐅
P.S.: Don't miss Mushfiqur's celebration with the helmet.
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.#ThatWinningFeeling #BANvSL #FanCode pic.twitter.com/UhPkvfeTMn— FanCode (@FanCode) March 18, 2024
After winning the series, the Bangladeshi team mocked Angelo Mathews' timeout during the celebration. Mushfiqur Rahim recreated the same, referring to the incident as "due to a helmet issue." pic.twitter.com/ol5BNaYYPJ
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) March 18, 2024
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka set for intense Test series
Looking ahead, both teams are set to renew their rivalry in a two-match Test series commencing on March 22 in Sylhet. This pivotal series will not only serve as a platform for cricketing prowess but also as an arena for the expression of long-standing grudges and rivalries. Sri Lanka’s comprehensive multi-format tour will culminate with the second and final Test scheduled to commence on March 30 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, promising an intense showdown between the arch-rivals.
