Mohammed Siraj's scintillating spell in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka has garnered high praise from cricket legends, with AB de Villiers spotlighting Siraj's standout attitude. The Indian pacer's pivotal performance played a crucial role in India's triumphant victory, bowling out Sri Lanka for an astonishing 50 runs within just 15.2 overs.
Siraj's exhibition began with an intense maiden over, putting Kusal Mendis under pressure. The momentum further escalated in his second over, as he clinched the wicket of Pathum Nissanka with a seaming delivery. He continued his onslaught, dismissing Sadeera Samarawickrama with a sharp, fuller delivery. By the culmination of his game-changing spell, Siraj had a jaw-dropping tally of six wickets for a mere 21 runs. This display of mastery not only secured India's Asia Cup title but also propelled Siraj to the zenith of the ICC ODI bowler rankings.
AB de Villiers, discussing the final on his 360 show, lauded Siraj's unwavering attitude. Having shared the dressing room with Siraj during their stint at RCB, de Villiers recalled the pacer's relentless approach and his knack for challenging the batsmen relentlessly. De Villiers firmly believes that Siraj's unprecedented four-wicket over was the turning point that dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order during the Asia Cup finale.
"I think what stands out with him is his attitude, and we've spoken about this before on this series. Your attitude can really uplift you if you never give up. And if you keep trying and you make your attitude, catch you with your teammates, the people want you there. The fans want you there, and that's where you start doing some brilliant things and special things on the park. And Mohammad Siraj is one of those players. He always just keeps coming back. He's always in your face and I've mentioned this before. The bowlers that I respect the most are the guys that never gave up. That would always compete for every single ball, be in your face. And that's what Mohammad Siraj does," said De Villiers.
"Well, he's not scared of trying his short ball. He's there in the in the batter's face. He's always trying to get you out. And the batter can feel that. And Sri Lanka certainly felt that in the final. Uh, what a fantastic turnaround. The thing that stands out, as I mentioned earlier, is he keeps trying. He's always in your face. His catches are in place and his attitude is spot on to for for all the perfect fast bowler. If I can say that, he's always gonna keep trying. Congratulations, India. Congratulations, Siraj, with that final, the figures in the final, Simply incredible. And then we saw that, incredible over. Wicket, dot wicket, wicket, four runs and another wicket. And that was it. That literally, broke the back of the Sri Lankan batters. And that was the end of that," he added.
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