In a riveting display of cricketing prowess, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj left an indelible mark in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka. His exceptional bowling spell, which he described as 'magical', was instrumental in India's triumph.
Siraj, who emerged as India's top wicket-taker in the tournament, was in a reflective mood during a BCCI video interview. "The spell was like magic. I had never thought I would bowl such a good spell. I had picked 4 wickets against Sri Lanka earlier in Trivandrum as well, but was not able to get my 5th despite bowling 6 overs," he shared.
His conversation with Kuldeep Yadav, who was crowned the Player of the Series, shed light on Siraj's strategy during the final. Recognising the swing early on, Siraj recalibrated his approach. "I found swing early on and then I told myself that there was no need to hit the wicket hard. I thought that if I bowled in the right areas I would get swing and that was my plan," he elaborated on his game plan against the Sri Lankan batters.
The highlight of Siraj's performance was a mesmerising over where he claimed four wickets, dispatching Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chariht Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva. This feat was achieved in the game's fourth over. He continued his onslaught, bowling seven consecutive overs and finishing with a tally of six wickets. This record is now etched as the best figures in the tournament's history.
Siraj's dismissal of Dasun Shanaka in the sixth over was particularly special for him. "I had been practising this ball from the West Indies series, to come from wide of the crease and bowl an outswinger. It worked out perfectly and that was my best wicket till date. It happened exactly the way I planned it out," he fondly recalled.
Looking ahead, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating Siraj's performance against Australia in the upcoming 3-match series. As the ODI World Cup 2023 beckons, Siraj, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, is poised to be India's frontline pacer.
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