Mohammed Siraj's spectacular performance sets records in Asia Cup 2023 final
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Colombo: In a remarkable display of fast bowling mastery, Mohammed Siraj left a lasting mark on the Asia Cup 2023 final in Colombo, sending Sri Lanka's top order tumbling in the face of overcast conditions at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
His brilliant opening spell led India to dismantle Sri Lanka for a mere 50 runs in the final.
Over the years, India has witnessed exceptional fast bowlers who have significantly influenced the team's performance in limited-overs cricket. During the final 90 minutes of play, several records tumbled as Siraj clinched an impressive 6-wicket haul, with four wickets falling in a single over, effectively sealing the fate of the match.
Mohammed Siraj, an emerging star, delivered an outstanding performance in the 2023 Asia Cup Finals, earning him a prominent place in the annals of cricket history. After achieving his five-wicket haul in the final, the Indian pace sensation celebrated with football legend Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark 'Siuuu' celebration.
Following a maiden over, Siraj delivered a devastating blow, claiming four wickets in a single over, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 12/5 at the conclusion of the fourth over.
His remarkable over began with the dismissal of Pathum Nissanka, caught at point on the first ball. Subsequently, he removed Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka on the third and fourth deliveries of the same over, with Samarawickrama being trapped lbw and Asalanka caught in the covers. The final ball of the over saw Dhananjaya de Silva caught behind, completing a magical sequence of four wickets in five balls, reported ANI.
Siraj continued his phenomenal performance, dismissing Shanaka in his very next over, achieving a fifer in just 16 balls.
With this feat, he equaled the world record for the fastest five-wicket haul since ball-by-ball data became available, a record shared with Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas, who achieved the same feat against Bangladesh in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2003.
In the 50-over format of the Asia Cup, Siraj became only the second bowler to take a 6-wicket haul, following Sri Lanka's Ajantha Mendis, who claimed figures of 6/13 against India in 2008.
Mohammed Siraj's remarkable spell tore through Sri Lanka's batting lineup, culminating in the first innings ending in just 15.2 overs during the Asia Cup 2023 final at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.