'Feels like a dream': Mohammed Siraj reflects on extraordinary spell against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup final

Mohammed Siraj bowled one of the most magical new ball spells in cricket history and finished with stunning figures of 6/21 in seven overs, including a maiden over.

SportsTak

• Sun • 17 Sep 2023

Highlights:

Siraj reflected on his tremendous effort and admitted that even to him, the spell 'felt like a dream'.

The 2023 Asia Cup final between India and Sri Lanka will be indelibly edged in the minds of all those onlookers who watched the game, solely because of Mohammed Siraj's mind-blowing spell with the new ball that blew the Islanders out of the contest before even the fourth over of the match was completed. In the words of Siraj himself, it was a 'dream'. The 29-year-old bowled one of the most magical new ball spells in cricket history and finished with stunning figures of 6/21 in seven overs, including a maiden over.

After Sri Lanka's innings culminated in just 15.2 overs, Siraj reflected on his tremendous effort and admitted that even to him, the spell 'felt like a dream'.

"Feels like a dream. Last time I did the same against Sri Lanka at Trivandrum. Got four wickets early, couldn't get the five-for. Realised you get what's in your destiny," Siraj told the host broadcaster, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"Did not try too much today. I have always looked for swing in white-ball cricket. Did not find much in the previous games. But today it was swinging, and I got more wickets with the outswinger. Wanted to make the batters drive," he added.

In a jaw-dropping display of fast bowling, right-arm pacer Siraj unleashed a lethal spell against the Sri Lankan batsmen in the final, turning the match on its head. Beginning with a maiden over, Siraj quickly claimed four wickets in his subsequent over and didn't let up, seizing his fifth wicket by his third over. This electrifying performance left Sri Lanka reeling at a mere 12/6 within the first 5.4 overs.

In the span of just 16 deliveries in the final, Siraj managed to capture five prized wickets, leaving spectators at the R Premadasa Stadium and TV audiences worldwide in sheer disbelief. Recognizing Siraj's fiery form, captain Rohit Sharma entrusted him with an extended spell. Siraj didn't disappoint, as he returned in the 12th over to dismantle the stumps of Kusal Mendis.

Siraj's scintillating bowling performance was indeed the highlight of the day, delivering countless exhilarating moments to fans and giving cricket enthusiasts a spell to remember for ages.