Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews falls agonisingly short of Test double century in Chattogram

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews has fallen agonisingly short of a Test double century, claiming an unwanted piece of history in the process.

Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews. Photo by Munir uz ZAMAN / AFP

Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews has fallen agonisingly short of scoring a Test double century in Chattogram, dismissed for 199 against Bangladesh on Monday.

On day two of the series opener at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Mathews threw his wicket away one run short of the milestone, attempting to slog off-spinner Nayeem Hasan through the leg side only to spoon a simple catch for Shakib Al Hasan at square leg.

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The 34-year-old returned to the sheds with an unwanted record under his belt, becoming the only Test cricketer to be dismissed for 99 and 199.

Mathews joins Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara as the only other Sri Lankan cricketers with a Test score of 199. He’s the 12th batter in Test history to lose his wicket on 199, joining the likes of five-time Ashes winner Ian Bell and former Australian captain Steve Waugh.

“I just premeditated the shot,” Mathews said.

“I didn’t connect it. It was one of those unfortunate incidents.

“Obviously, it would have been nice to get that one run but you have to take what God gives you. Getting that one run off the last ball with the last man, I wanted to get to the double-hundred. I miscalculated it, and unfortunately.

“I am thankful that I was able to play a good knock. Hopefully it will help us win the game.

Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Photo by Munir uz ZAMAN / AFP

“I was exhausted, to be honest, especially in the heat. It was 42 degrees, boiling hot in the middle.

“But I knew that once I get a start, no matter what the situation and condition is, if I am set, I need to carry through.”

Mathews, who has represented Sri Lanka in 95 Tests and 218 ODIs since making his international debut in 2008, boasts a career high score of 200 not out against Zimbabwe in January 2020.

Hasan finished with career-best figures of 6/105 from 30 overs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 397 in the first innings.

How sad was that dismissal? Angelo Mathews out for 199! So close but in the end yet so far! What a difference a single run could do!

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) May 16, 2022

Unlucky, Angelo Mathews dismissed on 199, missed out his second double hundred by one run - he scored 199 runs from 397 balls including 19 fours and 1 six. Well played, Mathews.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 16, 2022

Damn. Angelo Mathews. Out on 199. Tough luck!

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) May 16, 2022

On Tuesday, Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal completed his 10th Test century before Sri Lanka clawed their way back into the contest with quick strikes.

Tamim reached the milestone with a four and single off Asitha Fernando off successive deliveries, but Bangladesh were reduced to 220/3 at tea on the third day.

The hosts, who resumed on 76/0 on Tuesday morning, were trailing Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 397 runs by 177 at the break, with Mushfiqur Rahim accompanying Tamim on 14.

Fernando broke Tamim’s 162-run opening stand with Mahmudul Hasan, who edged a delivery on the leg side behind the stumps after making 58 off 142 balls.

Concussion substitute Kasun Rajitha then removed Najmul Hossain for one and Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque for two to restore some parity in the game.

— with AFP