In a thrilling final clash at the 2023 Asia Cup, Indian speedster Mohammed Siraj delivered a spellbinding performance, etching his name in the annals of cricket history. His fiery spell included an astounding four wickets in a single over. It dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order, limiting them to a paltry total of 50 runs. Siraj's career-best figures of 6-21 marked only the second six-wicket haul in the history of the Asia Cup, setting the stage for India's dominant victory.
Sri Lanka's Batting Collapse
Sri Lanka, electing to bat first, were caught off guard by India's pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, claiming Kusal Perera's wicket in the opening over. However, Mohammed Siraj left an indelible mark on the match, picking up four wickets in a single over. Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva were all victims of his relentless pace and precision. Sri Lanka crumbled to a dismal 12/6, matching the joint-lowest score at the fall of the sixth wicket in all ODIs.
Siraj's Historic Feat
Mohammed Siraj's performance continued as he became the first Indian bowler to secure a fifer within the first ten overs of an ODI. His relentless onslaught saw Dasun Shanaka departing for a duck, further exacerbating Sri Lanka's woes. Kusal Mendis tried to steady the ship but fell prey to Siraj's relentless attack, becoming his sixth victim. Hardik Pandya and Dunith Wellalage chipped in with wickets as Sri Lanka reached a meager total of 50 runs.
Sri Lanka's Unwanted Record
As the Sri Lankan innings ended in the 16th over, they marked an unfortunate record. With a total of 50 runs, they registered the lowest score in the final of an ODI, a moment they would want to forget.
India's Swift Chase
Chasing a modest target of 51 runs, India's openers, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, exhibited their prowess with the bat. The Sri Lankan pacers failed to maintain discipline, allowing the Indian duo to capitalize on loose deliveries. Gill and Kishan's unbroken 51-run partnership ensured India's emphatic victory. Gill contributed with six boundaries. As for Kishan, he added three boundaries to his name, sealing India's eighth Asia Cup triumph.
In a match filled with historic moments and exceptional performances, Mohammed Siraj's spell for the ages and India's dominant victory in deliveries remaining will stay as a defining moment in the 2023 Asia Cup final.