There's an old saying that revenge tastes best when served cold. Perhaps, this notion echoed in the minds of the Indian cricket team as they bundled Sri Lanka out for a paltry 50 in the Asia Cup 2023 finale held in Colombo on Sunday, September 17. This scorecard is now inked in history as the lowest total in an ODI tournament final. Ironically, it was India that held the previous record, getting dismissed at 54 by the same opponent in Sharjah back in 2000 Champions Trophy.
Notably, the recent dismal performance by Sri Lanka also marks the lowest ODI total any team has achieved against India. Before this Sunday, Bangladesh held this unwanted record with their score of 58 at Mirpur in 2014 against India.
The hero of the day for India was undoubtedly Mohammed Siraj who delivered a dream-like spell, etching his name as the fourth Indian to claim six wickets in an ODI match.
His impressive bowling figure of 6/21 is now the second-best in the annals of Asia Cup. Moreover, his feat of grabbing five wickets in merely 16 balls equaled the record, previously held by Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas. But what truly captured the cricket enthusiasts' imagination was his four-wicket haul in a single over, setting a new ODI benchmark.
Reflecting on his outstanding performance, Siraj mentioned, "It 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. 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 out-swinger. Wanted to make the batters drive."
The Asia Cup final's narrative was dominated by Siraj's mesmerizing spell, decimating Sri Lanka and paving the path for India's potential victory. Despite overcast conditions reminiscent of London, Sri Lanka chose to bat first. However, they were unprepared for the Siraj hurricane that awaited them.
This game will be remembered not just for the numbers but the sheer artistry Siraj showcased. His mastery was evident when he began his onslaught right after Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Kusal Perera. And in the climactic 4th over, Siraj sent Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samaraiwickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya De Silva back to the pavilion, cementing his place in cricketing lore.
After folding Sri Lanka for just 50, India chased down the total in mere 37 balls to lift their eighth Asia Cup title. This was India's biggest victory in ODIs in terms of balls remaining.
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