India clinched the Asia Cup for an unprecedented eighth time as Mohammed Siraj’s remarkable performance, capturing 6 wickets for 21 runs, dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
The match, which took place on Sunday in Colombo, saw Dasun Shanaka winning the toss and electing to bat, a decision that soon led to an inevitable conclusion.
Sri Lanka’s batsmen struggled, with five of them returning to the pavilion without contributing a run to the scoreboard. India comfortably achieved the meager target of 51 runs in just 6.1 overs, securing victory with 263 balls to spare and all ten wickets intact.
This win marked India’s largest margin of victory in terms of balls remaining, surpassing their previous record against Kenya in 2001 when they successfully chased down a target of 91 with 231 balls to spare.
The Indian team surprised with Ishan Kishan’s promotion to open the innings alongside Shubman Gill.
Although there was no sign of rain at the toss, the start of play was delayed by 40 minutes due to a drizzle. Jasprit Bumrah struck first by dismissing Kusal Perera in the opening over, setting the stage for Mohammed Siraj’s exceptional display of fast bowling in the subcontinent.
Siraj rapidly claimed four wickets in just six deliveries, leaving the Sri Lankan innings in ruins. In the third over of the Sri Lankan innings, he dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva.
In his following over, Siraj removed Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, making him the joint-fastest bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul in one-day internationals, accomplishing the feat in just 2.4 overs.
Sri Lanka’s journey in the Asia Cup had been commendable, entering the World Cup after winning the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
They lost a closely-fought Super 4 match against India before upsetting Pakistan in a rain-affected encounter to secure their spot in the final. However, Sri Lanka’s batsmen struggled to exhibit commitment and fell prey to questionable shot selection against two of the world’s best pacers.
