Asia Cup 2018: Mehidy Hasan and Mortaza team up to take one of the most bizarre reviews

It didn't make much difference though as the batsman was dismissed off the very next delivery.

Published - 16 Sept 2018, 13:24 IST | Updated - 16 Sept 2018, 13:24 IST

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The much-awaited Asia Cup commenced on Saturday with a game between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The Tigers put their best foot forward in the tournament opener and won the game by 137 runs thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim’s spectacular ton. The encounter though was filled with the comedy of errors from both the teams. While Sri Lanka dropped some sitters to allow their opponents a sniff, even Bangladesh weren’t behind as they opted for one of the worst reviews ever.

Angelo Mathews’ team was in dire straits while chasing the total of 262 runs. The heat of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was also taking the toll on them it seems. But the conditions had nothing to do with Sri Lanka struggling at 69/6 in the 19th over. The wicket of the skipper, their best batsman, had just fallen and the onus was on Thisara Perera to somehow reduce the defeat margin.

Mehidy forces Mashrafe to take the review

The incident took place in the 19th over of the second innings. Mehidy Hasan bowled a good delivery from wide of the crease which went on with the arm. Perera went on the backfoot to cut the ball and in the process got into a tangle post which the bowler and the wicketkeeper appealed vociferously. The umpire, understandably, gave not-out. Mehidy, however, looked confident and asked the captain Mashrafe Mortaza to opt for a review as Thisara was the last recognised batsman of the opposition.

The TV umpire then went with the process and was shocked to see that the ball had hit the middle of Perera’s bat and his pad was not even close to it. Bangladesh were probably thinking that it brushed his pads first before hitting the bat and went for the review. The on-field call stayed as it is and Perera continued his knock.

That didn’t make much difference though as the left-hander played an irresponsible stroke off the very next delivery and was sent back on 6 by the same bowler to leave his team reeling at 69/7. Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 124 runs in the 36th over and will now have to win their next game against Afghanistan on Monday to stay alive in the competition.