Pressmediaofindia
Related Articles
17-09-2023
Bureau Report + Agencies
COLOMBO/ NEW DELHI: Mohammed Siraj bowled a terrific six-wicket 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. With the help of Siraj’s 6 for 21 in 7 overs, the Rohit Sharma-led side bundled 
out Sri Lanka for 50 runs after skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bat. Siraj picked his first five wickets in 16 balls which is also the joint fastest in ODI cricket history. Jasprit Bumrah landed the first blow before Siraj took over and didn’t let the opponents settle down. In the paltry chase, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan comfortably took India home in 7.1 overs.
“As a group, we spoke about finishing games and throwing punches in the pressure situation. It was a good toss to lose, we wanted to bat as well. I think our new bowlers, especially Siraj bowled really well. He got it swinging and created a lot of chances. Nowadays in ODI cricket, the new ball has been swinging and we have been speaking about getting the most. The first few overs, the ball didn’t even hit the bat,” said Hardik Pandya.
“It (the match) got over within the blink of an eye. Couldn’t get better than this. Bumrah started well and what a spell it was from Siraj. It was a brilliant effort from his side. Hardik got those last three wickets. It was a clinical performance by the bowlers. We feel that we are a settled side, everyone is ready to showcase their skills. Whenever I’ll play I’ll try to contribute for the team,” said Shardul Thakur.
This was a dominating show from India! Jasprit Bumrah struck early but Mohammed Siraj just stole the show with his impeccable bowling show. He registered figures of 6 for 21 in 7 overs to pin down Sri Lanka on the mat. He killed the game in the first innings itself with the chase being a mere formality.
“I was a bit worried a couple of weeks ago, but got to play some good games against competitive teams. Scored runs and was good with the gloves, a few boxes ticked for me. Hopefully this continues for the next couple of months. It’s good to play games where bowlers get help. (Mohammed) Siraj was phenomenal. He did the job for us, and everyone else chipped in as well. We’ll take this win,” said KL Rah
A single from Ishan Kishan on the first ball of the 7th over and India have comfortably chased down the 51-run target with 10 wickets in hand, this is India’s record-extending 8th Asia Cup title. Sri Lanka follow them with six such wins to their name.
