Colombo: Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj became the fourth fastest Indian to claim 50 wickets in one-day internationals after he ran through Sri Lanka’s top order in the final of Asia Cup 2023 at the R Premadasa Stadium here on Sunday.
He etched his name in history books, claiming four wickets to demolish Sri Lanka’s batting order in his very second over of the innings.
Siraj removed Pathun Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva in the 4th over to put Sri Lanka on the mat with 12/5.
In 6th over as well, Siraj was on fire cleaning up Captain Dasun Shanaka with a beauty and doing the Ronaldo celebration thereof. He also knocked over Kusal Mendis with a fast inswinger for 17 off 34 balls with three boundaries.
The Golconda Express (Siraj) ended with figures of 6/21 in 7 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah removed Kusal Perera on the third ball of the innings to provide India an early breakthrough, providing enough cannon for Siraj to fire at Sri Lanka’s top-order.
Hardik Pandya took three wickets.
At this point of time, India looks well poised to lift the coveted Asia Cup for the 8th time in Sri Lanka’s backyard as Sri Lanka have been bundled out for 50 in 15.2 overs.
Earlier, the finals started at 3.40 pm, instead of 3 pm due to a passing rain after Sri Lanka won the toss, and elected to bat against India.
India has included Washington Sundar in the playing XI in place of injured Axar Patel, who was ruled out of the summit clash. Sri Lanka included Dushan Hemantha in place of Maheesh Theekshana, who was ruled out of the final.
The tournament this year was badly affected by continuous thunderstorms and drizzling in Sri Lanka which curtailed a few games.
UNI
