In a spectacle that will be etched in cricketing annals, Mohammed Siraj orchestrated a sublime act of seam and swing bowling, achieving an astounding feat of securing six wickets for a mere 21 runs. This mesmerizing performance proved to be the catalyst for India’s emphatic victory over Sri Lanka by a commanding margin of ten wickets in the Asia Cup final, marking a significant milestone as India clinched their eighth Asia Cup title. This triumph also stands out as India’s most resounding One Day International (ODI) win in terms of balls remaining, with a staggering 263 balls to spare.
Siraj’s bowling masterclass left defending champions Sri Lanka utterly bewildered, ultimately leading to their disarray as they were bundled out for a meager 50 runs. India’s response in the chase was swift and efficient, with Shubman Gill contributing 27 runs and Ishan Kishan adding 23, reaching the target in a mere 6.1 overs.
This victory resonates as a momentous occasion for India, marking their first title triumph in a multi-nation event since their conquest of the Asia Cup in 2018. It also served as a form of exorcism, dispelling the haunting memories of India’s humiliating 54 all-out against Sri Lanka in the Coca Cola Champions Trophy at Sharjah in the year 2000.
The Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will be forever etched in cricketing folklore for Siraj’s exceptional performance, where he disassembled the Lankan top-order with sheer wizardry.
Although the match began 40 minutes later than the scheduled 3 PM start time due to inclement weather, it merely prolonged the storm that Siraj was about to unleash.
His spell of brilliance saw Sri Lanka toil for a mere 15.2 overs, resulting in their lowest ODI total against India.
Siraj etched his name into the annals of ODI history by becoming only the fourth bowler ever to claim four wickets in a single over, an astonishing achievement accomplished in a mere 16 deliveries. This remarkable feat matched the record set by former Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas. Siraj’s performance also obliterated the previous record for the best ODI figures against Sri Lanka, a record previously held by Pakistan’s pace legend Waqar Younis, who registered figures of 6 for 26 at Sharjah in 1990.
However, the brilliance of Siraj’s performance transcends statistical records. He expertly exploited the overcast conditions in Colombo, delivering the ball with pinpoint accuracy.
The turning point of the match arrived in the fourth over when Siraj embarked on a breathtaking spell, claiming four wickets with just four deliveries. His victims included Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samaraiwickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya De Silva.
Nissanka, in his attempt to maneuver the ball, inadvertently found the safe hands of Ravindra Jadeja at point, resulting in a spectacular catch. Samarawickrama fell prey to a delivery that deviated after pitching, and the umpire had no hesitation in upholding Siraj’s leg-before-wicket appeal.
In the very next delivery, Asalanka, a left-hander, offered a feeble shot and paid the price as Ishan Kishan at covers made no mistake in completing the catch. Although De Silva managed to evade a hat-trick, his resistance was short-lived as he succumbed to Siraj’s relentless prowess.
Siraj’s rampage continued as he dismantled Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Mendis with deliveries that could only be described as peaches. Shanaka, unable to cope with a beautifully executed outswinger, saw his off-stump uprooted.
At 33 for 6, Sri Lanka desperately needed a savior, but Kusal Mendis’s attempt to break free only led to his demise. Siraj deceived Mendis with a delivery that nipped back in, leaving his stumps shattered.
This was a magnificent display of fast bowling artistry, characterized by complete mayhem yet infused with the elegance of quick bowling. Remarkably, Siraj did not even rely on his potent wobble seam delivery during his unbroken seven-over spell, instead opting to dismantle Lanka with a blend of outswingers and occasional in-dippers.
Once Siraj concluded his spell, Sri Lanka’s innings lay in ruins. Hardik Pandya, capitalizing on the remnants of the Lankan batting order, sealed the deal with a three-wicket haul (3/3).
Sri Lanka desperately needed a bowler capable of conjuring a Siraj-esque spell, but their arsenal proved inadequate. Consequently, India secured a comprehensive victory, achieving the feat in a mere 116 minutes.