In the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka, Mohammed Siraj delivered a spell of fast bowling that bordered on perfection. Under overcast conditions in Colombo, the Indian pace sensation unleashed a barrage of fiery deliveries that ruthlessly dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order in the title clash on Sunday. Thanks to Siraj’s dream opening spell, India decimated Sri Lanka for a paltry 50 runs in the Asia Cup 2023 final.
Over the years, Indian cricket has witnessed several exceptional fast bowlers who have significantly influenced the team’s performance in limited-overs cricket. In the final 90 minutes of the match, numerous records tumbled as Siraj completed his spell with a staggering 6 wickets to his name. Four of those wickets came in a single over, sealing the fate of the contest.
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Anand Mahindra, a prominent industrialist, lavished special praise on Siraj’s remarkable achievement. He expressed, “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 a tweet.
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
Been there, done that… https://t.co/jBUsxlooZf
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) September 17, 2023
Siraj, an emerging cricketing sensation, celebrated his extraordinary performance against Sri Lanka in the 2023 Asia Cup Final by emulating football legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siuuu’ celebration after securing his five-wicket haul in the final.
Following a maiden over, Siraj wreaked havoc in a single over, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 12/5 after the conclusion of the fourth over. He commenced the demolition with the dismissal of Pathum Nissanka, who was caught at point off the very first ball of the over. Siraj then swiftly removed Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka off the third and fourth deliveries of the over, respectively. Samarawickrama fell prey to an lbw decision, while Asalanka was caught in the covers.
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In the final delivery of the over, Siraj had Dhananjaya de Silva caught behind, further compounding Sri Lanka’s misery. He continued his magical run with the ball by cleaning up Dasun Shanaka in his very next over. In just 16 balls, ‘Miyan Magic’ completed his fifer.
With this incredible feat, he equaled the world record for the quickest five-wicket haul, a record he now shares with Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas, who achieved the same feat by taking five wickets against Bangladesh in just 16 balls during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2003.
