In the Asia Cup final on Sunday, Mohammed Siraj delivered a remarkable performance, leading India to dismiss Sri Lanka for a meager 50 runs. Later, India hunted down the total in 7.1 overs.
Siraj’s spell helping India eventually outplay Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final of Asia Cup 2023 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday. India registered a record-extending 8th Asia Cup title.
Sri Lanka, after winning the toss, faced an embarrassing situation as they lost their first six wickets for just 12 runs. Their innings concluded in a mere 15.2 overs.
Kusal Mendis was the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka, managing 17 runs from 34 balls.
Siraj finished with outstanding figures of six wickets for 21 runs in seven overs, while Hardik Pandya contributed with three wickets.
Siraj began his sensational spell by dismissing opener Pathum Nissanka, brilliantly caught by Ravindra Jadeja at backward point. Following that, he trapped the in-form Sadeera Samarawickrama lbw on the third ball of his over. On the very next delivery, Siraj enticed Charith Asalanka into driving the ball straight into the safe hands of Ishan Kishan. After conceding a boundary on the penultimate ball of the over, Siraj made a stunning comeback, having Dhananjaya de Silva caught behind, leaving Sri Lanka in turmoil at 12 for 5. In the fifth over, he returned to clean up Sri Lanka’s skipper Dasun Shanaka, securing his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs.
Siraj became 4th fastest Indian to 50 ODI wickets.
