Nidahas Trophy 2018, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Controversy erupts during final over of thrilling encounter
The Bangladesh cricket team completed another nail-biting chase against hosts Sri Lanka in a virtual semi-final of the Nidahas Trophy, 2018. Chasing 160 for victory, the Tigers lost Litton Das and Sabbir Rahman early on. However, Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim led the revival as they put on a 64 run partnership for the third wicket.
However, Sri Lanka fought back to get a few quick wickets and put Bangladesh in a spot of bother. Bangladesh, however, did not give up as Mahmudullah played a sensational knock of 43 off just 18 deliveries to guide Bangladesh to the final of the tournament.
The victory, however, came amidst a lot of controversy in the final over of the match.
With 12 runs required of the final 6 deliveries, Isuru Udana was bowling to the new batsman Mustafizur Rahman. He started off with a short delivery, which Mustafizur failed to hit. The second ball was a similar one, which Mustafizur missed. Mahmudullah took a quick single to get back on strike, but the "fizz" was run-out at the other end. It was at this time that the Bangladeshi camp, led by Shakib al Hasan, who was at the boundary was furious that the umpire did not call a no-ball.
Apparently, the leg-umpire had signalled a no-ball, which was not given, thus the confusion in the first place.
The Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan players began arguing with each other as well and play was stopped for a while. Shakib was seen arguing with the match officials and at one point, he even signalled the two batsmen to return to the pavilion.
However, after a lot of talk between the officials and Bangladeshi camp, Shakib calmed down and went back to the dressing room.
Mahmudullah then completed a thrilling run chase, hitting a six off the penultimate delivery to secure a win. The Bangladeshi camp was ecstatic after the win, and they all came out onto the field to celebrate. They were seen doing the "naagin" dance, which became famous after Mushfiqur had done it the day they chased down 214.
Shakib removed his shirt during the celebrations as well. As the players walked off, a few of the Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi players were seen arguing with each other.
Fortunately, the issue did not escalate too much and the players calmed down before the post-match ceremony.
Bangladesh will now take on India in the final on Sunday.