India Clinches 2023 Asia Cup Title with Dominant Victory Over Sri Lanka
By Hemant Brar
Summary
- India defeats Sri Lanka by 10 wickets
- Mohammed Siraj takes 6 wickets for 21 runs
- India’s seventh 50-over Asia Cup title
Introduction
After a couple of tight games, it seemed like the 2023 Asia Cup was heading towards an exciting finale. However, the title bout turned out to be an anti-climax as Mohammed Siraj singlehandedly demolished Sri Lanka in the blink of an eye. It was India’s seventh 50-over Asia Cup title, to go with one in the T20 format in 2016.
Siraj’s Dominating Performance
In overcast conditions, Mohammed Siraj showcased brilliant bowling skills and got the new ball to move around. He picked up 6 wickets for 21 runs, achieving the fourth-best ODI figures for India. Siraj took just 16 balls for his first five wickets, joining the league of Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas and USA’s Ali Khan for the joint-fastest five-for in ODIs.
Easy Chase for India
Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, opening the innings in place of Rohit Sharma, took just 6.1 overs to chase down the target set by Sri Lanka. The openers hit a combined total of nine fours, while all Sri Lankan batters managed only five.
Rain-Affected Toss and Bumrah’s Early Success
Rohit Sharma mentioned that he wanted to bat first on what he called “a dry wicket”, but rain forced a delay of 40 minutes. Jasprit Bumrah capitalized on the damp conditions and took an early wicket by having Kusal Perera caught behind.
The Siraj Show Begins
Mohammed Siraj started his spell with an impressive maiden over, beating Kusal Mendis’ outside edge multiple times. In his next over, he took four wickets, causing panic in the Sri Lankan camp. He dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Charith Asalanka in quick succession.
Records Tumble as Siraj Continues to Shine
Despite missing out on a hat-trick, Dhananjaya de Silva provided some respite for Sri Lanka by hitting a four off Siraj’s hat-trick ball. However, Siraj quickly dismissed him in the same over. In the following over, Siraj uprooted Dasun Shanaka’s off stump, completing his maiden ODI five-wicket haul.
Sri Lanka’s Struggles Continue
At 12 for 6, Sri Lanka’s chances of being bowled out for the lowest ODI total were high. Kusal Mendis and Dunith Wellalage managed to add 21 runs for the seventh wicket, averting a complete collapse. However, Siraj struck again by rattling Mendis’ middle stump.
India’s Stellar Bowling Performance
Hardik Pandya joined the act and wrapped up the Sri Lankan innings with three quick wickets.
A Composed Chase by Indian Openers
Gill and Kishan had no trouble in chasing down the modest target. Gill opened his account with a four off Pramod Madushan, while Kishan hit back-to-back boundaries off Matheesha Pathirana. Kishan eventually sealed the win with a single to long-off in the seventh over.
Conclusion
India’s dominant victory over Sri Lanka in the 2023 Asia Cup final showcased their bowling prowess, led by Mohammed Siraj’s remarkable spell. With this win, India secured their seventh 50-over Asia Cup title. The Indian team displayed a clinical performance, maintaining their stronghold in the tournament.
About the Author
Hemant Brar is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo.
