India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj bowled a spell for the ages in the Asia Cup 2023 final on Sunday in Colombo against Sri Lanka.
Even until the R. Premadasa Stadium hadn’t been filled up properly, with spectators making their queues, Mohammed Siraj’s new-ball burst had all but sealed the game for India, and India’s 8th Asia Cup trophy.
After Jasprit Bumrah struck in the first over, then, in a matter of only 16 balls, Siraj completed his five-wicket haul. He recorded the joint-fastest five-fer in ODI cricket history, setting level with the 16-ball record set by Sri Lanka pacer Chaminda Vaas against Bangladesh in 2003.
In his marathon 7-over new-ball spell, Mohammed Siraj finished with stunning figures of 7-1-21-6. In his second over, he picked 4 wickets in one over – such an event occurring only the third time in ODI cricket for which ball-by-ball data is recorded.
Siraj’s figures of 6/21 are the 4th-best ODI bowling figures by an Indian bowler. The pacer deservedly bagged the Player of the Match award for his heroics with the ball in the final.
Post the win, Mohammed Siraj took to his social media handles to post about his performance and India’s win.
Check out Mohammed Siraj’s Insta post after his dream spell in Asia Cup final
Siraj captioned his post: “There’s no bigger honour than wearing the India blue and performances like today motivate me to keep working harder. Glad to see the hours of practice and hard work showing results but there is still a long way to go for me. I aim to continue the work and make our country proud! Thank you for all your love and support.”
In the post-match presentation, Siraj said: “Have been bowling well since a long time. Was missing the edges earlier. But found them today. The wicket was seaming earlier, but there was swing today. Thought that I will bowl fuller because of the swing.”
He added: “When there’s good bonding between fast bowlers, it’s helpful for the team. I was thinking it would be great if I could stop the boundary. My best spell. This cash prize goes to the groundsmen. This tournament wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
India’s next assignment is the 3-ODI series against Australia starting September 22.
