In a scintillating display of pace bowling prowess, Mohammed Siraj orchestrated a remarkable spectacle in the Asia Cup final, where India obliterated Sri Lanka for a mere 50 runs. Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first in Colombo proved to be a tactical misstep, as they were dismissed in just 15.2 overs. The architect of this cricketing carnage, Siraj, delivered an astonishing performance, claiming an astounding six wickets while conceding a mere 21 runs.
The day began ominously for Sri Lanka, as their opener, Kusal Perera, fell prey to Jasprit Bumrah’s precision on only the third delivery of the match. However, it was Siraj who metamorphosed into the Lankan’s daytime nightmare, capitalizing on Bumrah’s early breakthroughs and systematically dismantling the opposition, at times appearing utterly unplayable.
The highlight of Siraj’s virtuoso performance came during the fourth over of the innings, during which he scalped an incredible four wickets, sending shockwaves through the Sri Lankan camp.
Prior to the contest, Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bat first, yet the start of the match was marred by a delay due to a waterlogged outfield, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
The home team introduced a solitary change, with all-rounder Dushan Hemantha stepping in for the injured Maheesh Theekshana.
Throughout the tournament, inclement weather cast a shadow, posing a persistent challenge. Sri Lanka, despite being considered underdogs, clinched a thrilling victory over Pakistan in their last Super Four encounter, securing their place in the final showdown with India in this 50-over extravaganza.
Notable inclusions for India saw the return of star players such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, who had been rested earlier. Rohit Sharma led the Indian contingent, determined to extend their reign as champions in both the ODI and T20 formats of the Asia Cup.
To account for potential rain delays, Monday was designated as a reserve day.
Teams
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Officials
Umpires: Ahmed Shah Pakteen (AFG), Richard Illingworth (ENG)
TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
By AFP
