The Asia Cup 2023 Final in Colombo witnessed a spell of bowling brilliance that left cricket fans and even industry giants like Anand Mahindra in awe. As Sri Lanka faced India, the toss favored the home team, and they elected to bat first. What followed was an extraordinary display of fast bowling, with Mohammed Siraj leading the charge.
The turning point occurred during the fifth over of the Sri Lankan innings. Mohammed Siraj took centre stage and scripted a spellbinding over that will be etched in cricketing history. In just one over, he picked up four wickets, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 12/5. The crowd and cricket enthusiasts were left stunned by the sheer brilliance on display.
The first victim of Siraj’s magic was Pathum Nissanka. A well-directed length ball, nipping inwards, left Nissanka with no choice but to play. His shot, an attempt to guide the ball behind square, was expertly caught by Ravindra Jadeja at backward point. It was a regulation catch but a testament to Siraj’s precision.
Next in line was the in-form Samarawickrama. Siraj’s delivery pitched fuller and moved sharply inwards. Samarawickrama’s late-shot attempt led to a resounding LBW appeal. Ball tracking confirmed it would have struck the top of the leg, and the Sri Lankan opener was out for a duck.
As if that weren’t enough, Siraj wasn’t done. The third wicket of the over was Charith Asalanka, the hero against Pakistan. Siraj’s full delivery halted slightly, and Asalanka’s early drive attempt led to a straightforward catch by Ishan Kishan at covers. It was a moment of disarray for the Lankans, and Asalanka departed without scoring.
Asia Cup 2023 Final: Mohammed Siraj’s Magical Over Leaves Anand Mahindra in Awe
The final blow in this sensational over was inflicted upon Dhananjaya de Silva. In a moment of casual batting, he attempted to push a wide outswinger, which he could have easily left to pass. Instead, a faint edge was caught by KL Rahul behind the stumps. Four wickets in a single over, a rare sight in ODIs, left Sri Lanka’s batting order in shambles.
The remarkable display of skill and precision by Mohammed Siraj did not go unnoticed. Anand Mahindra, a prominent figure in the business world, took to Twitter to express his amazement. In his tweet, he wrote, “I don’t think I have EVER before felt my heart weep for our opponents… It’s as if we have unleashed a supernatural force upon them… @mdsirajofficial you are a Marvel Avenger…”
In the annals of cricketing history, Mohammed Siraj’s magical over during the Asia Cup 2023 Final will be remembered as a moment of pure brilliance. It left fans, industry leaders, and cricket enthusiasts amazed and exhilarated. Siraj’s exceptional performance was not just a show of skill but also a testament to the awe-inspiring moments that make cricket such a captivating sport.
I don’t think I have EVER before felt my heart weep for our opponents….It’s as if we have unleashed a supernatural force upon them… @mdsirajofficial you are a Marvel Avenger… https://t.co/DqlWbnXbxq
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) September 17, 2023
