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In the final match between India and Sri Lanka today, Team India displayed a remarkable performance, securing their eighth Asia Cup title and setting a record for the most significant win in ODIs. The match witnessed extraordinary gameplay, leaving observers bewildered by the Sri Lankan batsmen’s struggles. Mohammed Siraj delivered an exceptional bowling performance, claiming a sensational 6 wickets for Team India. Siraj’s determination to restrict Sri Lanka to a meager score was evident, as Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 50 runs. Subsequently, Team India achieved victory with an astonishing 269 balls to spare. This achievement marks India’s most comprehensive win in terms of balls in ODI history, surpassing their victory against Kenya in 2001, when they won by 231 balls.
Captain Shanaka’s decision to bat first, having won the toss, appeared ill-fated from the outset. Jasprit Bumrah provided India with their initial breakthrough by dismissing Perera for a duck in the very first over. Subsequently, Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka during the third over of the innings.
Facing the lethal pace bowling of the Indian team, a mere 9 Sri Lankan players managed to reach double figures. Among them, Kusal Mendis scored 17, and Dushan Hemantha contributed 13 runs. However, the rest of the Sri Lankan batsmen struggled, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera managing just 2 and 0 runs, respectively. Additionally, Sadira Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjay de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Vellalage, and Pramod Madhushan all returned to the pavilion after scoring only 1 run each.
India secured a comprehensive victory, winning the match by 10 wickets in just 6.1 overs.
Rohit: Yeah was a great performance. To come out and play like that in the final shows the mental character. Great start with the ball and clinical finish with the bat. I was standing in the slips, and something we take pride in – our seamers have been working really hard. Very very clear in their mind. It was good to see that. Such a performance we will cherish for a long time. I never thought it’s going to do that much. Comes down to the skillset of individuals. Siraj has to be given a lot of credit.
Shanaka: It was outstanding bowling display from Siraj. I thought it’ll be a good pitch for batters, but overcast conditions played a part. Tough day for us at the office. We could’ve tightened our technique, would’ve helped batters to settle in and free their arms later. Lots of positives. The way Sadeera and Kusal batted against spin, Also the way Asalanka batted.
Kuldeep, Player of the Series: From last one and a half years, been working on my rhythm. Being more aggressive through the crease. Loving my bowling. In T20s also the length matters a lot. It’s about not thinking about wickets, just about the lengths. Have worked hard on that. Credit goes to Rohit bhai.
Siraj, Player of the Match: No biryani here. Have been bowling well since a long time. Was missing the edges earlier. But found them today. The wicket was seaming earlier, but there was swing today. Thought that I will bowl fuller because of the swing. When there’s good bonding between fast bowlers, it’s helpful for the team.
