Red-hot Siraj scorches Sri Lanka in lopsided Asia Cup final, his spell included an over with four wickets, as Sri Lanka were routed for 50 in an ODI that lasted all of 21.3 overs.
Brief Score: India 51 for 0 (Gill 27*, Kishan 23*) beat Sri Lanka 50 (Siraj 6-21, Pandya 3-3) by 10 wickets
Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj
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After a couple of closely contested matches, the 2023 Asia Cup appeared to be building up to an exciting climax. However, the final turned into an anticlimax as Mohammed Siraj singlehandedly dismantled Sri Lanka swiftly. This victory marked India’s seventh Asia Cup title in the 50-over format, in addition to their T20 win in 2016.
In overcast conditions, Siraj skillfully utilized the new ball, ending with figures of 6 for 21, the fourth-best by an Indian bowler in ODIs. Impressively, he secured his first five wickets in just 16 balls, making it one of the joint-fastest five-wicket hauls in ODIs.
Consequently, Sri Lanka was bundled out for a mere 50 runs, their second-lowest ODI total, with only two batsmen reaching double digits. The entire innings lasted just 15.2 overs, making it one of the shortest in ODI history.
In response, India’s opening duo, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, efficiently completed the chase in just 6.1 overs, hitting a combined total of nine fours, while all Sri Lankan batsmen managed only five.
Initially, India’s captain Rohit Sharma had intended to bat first on what he described as a “dry wicket.” However, rain delayed the match’s start by 40 minutes, potentially altering the dynamics.
When the game commenced, Jasprit Bumrah immediately made an impact, claiming the wicket of Kusal Perera. Nevertheless, the standout performance came from Siraj, who started with a maiden over and then captured four wickets in his next. His energy and enthusiasm even led to a comical chase down the boundary.
Siraj continued his dominance by completing his maiden ODI five-wicket haul by uprooting Dasun Shanaka’s off stump when Sri Lanka was 12 for 6. Although Kusal Mendis and Dunith Wellalage offered some resistance, Siraj struck again to dismiss Mendis and Hardik Pandya swiftly wrapped up the innings.
Gill and Kishan faced no difficulties in chasing down the meager target, securing the victory with ease. The duo displayed a dominant performance throughout the chase, sealing a comprehensive win.
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