India wins the Asia Cup 2023 Title | Siraj’s Sensational Spell Secures India’s Seventh One Day Asia Cup Title
The 2023 Asia Cup had already seen its fair share of thrilling encounters, but the final match between India and Sri Lanka turned out to be a one-sided affair, courtesy of the remarkable performance by Mohammed Siraj. In a stunning display of swing bowling, Siraj decimated the Sri Lankan lineup, propelling India to their seventh 50-over Asia Cup title. This victory also marked a moment of redemption for India, who had previously clinched the T20 format title in 2016. Let’s dive into the action-packed details of this memorable match.
With the backdrop of overcast conditions, Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc with the new ball. His spell of 6 for 21, which included an astonishing over with four wickets, now stands as the fourth-best ODI figures for an Indian bowler. What made this performance even more spectacular was its sheer speed – Siraj needed only 16 balls to claim his first five wickets. This lightning-fast achievement put him on par with legends like Chaminda Vaas and Ali Khan, in terms of the fastest five-wicket hauls in ODIs.
Sri Lanka’s Abysmal Batting Display
Sri Lanka’s batting unit, on the other hand, had a day to forget. They were bundled out for a mere 50 runs, registering their second-lowest ODI total ever. Only two Sri Lankan batsmen managed to reach double digits, highlighting the complete dominance of India’s bowlers. The entire innings lasted a mere 15.2 overs, making it the fifth-shortest in the history of ODIs.
The Rapid Indian Response
Facing a modest target of 51 runs for victory, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan stepped up to the plate, opening the innings for India. Their partnership was nothing short of clinical, as they chased down the target in just 6.1 overs. The openers showcased their prowess by hitting a combined total of nine fours, surpassing the entire Sri Lankan team’s collective effort of five fours.
The Weather’s Influence
It’s worth noting that the toss played a crucial role in this match. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed his desire to bat first on what he initially deemed a “dry wicket.” However, Mother Nature had other plans. Just ten minutes before the scheduled start, rain started pouring down, leading to a delayed commencement of the match. This unexpected turn of events likely impacted the course of the game.
Bumrah and Siraj’s Dynamic Duo
Jasprit Bumrah, another key contributor to India’s triumph, displayed remarkable skills with the ball. He made the ball swing in both directions, and in his third delivery, he had Kusal Perera caught behind, setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s downfall. However, it was Mohammed Siraj who truly stole the show.
Siraj’s Magical Over
Siraj’s magical over was the turning point of the match. He began with a maiden over, tormenting Kusal Mendis’ outside edge four times. In the very same over, he claimed four wickets. First, it was Pathum Nissanka who perished, sending a length delivery soaring towards backward point, where Ravindra Jadeja executed a stunning catch. Just two deliveries later, Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed leg before wicket (lbw), followed immediately by Charith Asalanka, who chipped one to cover.
Dhananjaya de Silva managed to survive the hat-trick ball, even finding the boundary. However, Siraj’s fiery spirit was on full display as he chased down the ball all the way to the long-on boundary, leaving the Indian fielders, including captain Virat Kohli, in fits of laughter. The next ball saw Dhananjaya de Silva caught behind, making Siraj the fourth bowler in ODI history (where data is available) to take four wickets in a single over.
A Historic Five-Wicket Haul
Siraj’s brilliance didn’t end there. In his next over, he uprooted Dasun Shanaka’s off stump, securing his maiden ODI five-wicket haul. At 12 for 6, Sri Lanka were on the verge of recording their lowest-ever ODI total. However, Kusal Mendis and Dunith Wellalage prevented that embarrassment, adding 21 runs for the seventh wicket. But Siraj had one more trick up his sleeve. In the 12th over, he got one to jag back, rattling Mendis’ middle stump. Soon after, Hardik Pandya wrapped up the innings with three quick wickets.
Gill and Kishan’s Flawless Chase
With just 51 runs required for victory, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan made light work of the chase. Gill opened his account by elegantly flicking Pramod Madushan for four on the last ball of the first over. Kishan, from the other end, showcased his aggressive intent with back-to-back fours off Matheesha Pathirana. However, Gill wasn’t to be outdone, responding with three consecutive boundaries in the next over.
In the seventh over, Kishan sealed the win with a composed single to long-off, completing India’s resounding 10-wicket victory.
Conclusion: A Day to Remember
The 2023 Asia Cup final will be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts for years to come. Mohammed Siraj’s exceptional performance with the ball set the stage for India’s dominant victory. With this win, India added another feather to their cap, securing their seventh 50-over Asia Cup title. While Sri Lanka had their moments in the tournament, it was India’s day in the sun, reminding everyone of their prowess on the cricketing stage.