On Sunday, thanks to Mohammed Siraj’s sensational bowling performance, India secured a resounding victory in the final against Sri Lanka, restricting them to just 50 runs after taking six wickets. With this win, India clinched their eighth Asia Cup title, reaching the target in just 37 balls.
Siraj wreaked havoc, delivering seven fiery overs, conceding only 21 runs, and taking six crucial wickets. It was a spellbinding performance that shattered Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat despite the looming threat of rain. The match began 40 minutes late due to the rain delay. Facing Siraj’s fury, Sri Lanka’s team managed to last only 15.2 overs, recording their second-lowest ODI score against India.
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In the Super Four stage’s final match, India, coming off a defeat to Bangladesh, chased down the target in just 6.1 overs without losing a wicket.
The match was won by Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. Ishan Kishan scored 23 runs with three boundaries in 18 balls, while Shubman Gill remained unbeaten with 27 runs, including six boundaries in 19 balls.
Before the upcoming World Cup, the Indian team will play a series of three One-Day Internationals against Australia starting on September 22nd. Mohammed Siraj, who claimed four wickets in a single over thanks to his exceptional bowling, has now become the fourth Indian bowler in ODI history to achieve this remarkable feat.
Siraj set several records with his outstanding performance, including equaling the record of former Sri Lankan fast bowler Chaminda Vaas for the fastest five-wicket haul in ODI cricket. Jasprit Bumrah got India off to a great start by sending Kusal Perera back to the pavilion with just the third ball of the first over. In Colombo, Siraj had to bowl with precision on a pitch that seemed more English than Sri Lankan. He took wickets on the first, third, fourth, and sixth balls of his fourth over.
After Siraj’s stunning spell, Hardik Pandya also claimed three wickets, sealing a comprehensive victory for India.