India emerged victorious in the Asia Cup 2023, comfortably chasing down a meager target of 51 in just 6.1 overs without losing a single wicket. This win secured India’s eighth Asia Cup title, thanks to an outstanding performance by Mohammed Siraj who took six wickets.
Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, India’s new opening pair, showcased their dominance over the Sri Lankan bowlers and played a crucial role in securing the victory for their team.
Gill emerged as the top scorer for India in the final with a quick-fire 27 off just 19 balls, including six boundaries. Kishan remained unbeaten with 23 runs off 18 balls.
Opting to bat first, the Sri Lankan batting lineup struggled against the Indian bowling attack and were bundled out for a mere 51 runs in the 16th over.
The Sri Lankan innings began on a disastrous note as they lost their opener Kusal Perera without scoring a run in the first over itself.
Mohammed Siraj took charge of the game and wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan batsmen. In the fourth over, he picked up four wickets, dismissing Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 12/5.
Sri Lanka failed to recover from Siraj’s onslaught, and he continued to dominate by dismissing skipper Dasun Shanaka in his next over, completing his five-wicket haul.
Although Kusal Mendis managed to build a partnership with Dunith Wellalage, Siraj struck again, ending Mendis’ innings as the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 17 runs off 34 balls.
Hardik Pandya also contributed to Sri Lanka’s downfall, taking three wickets, including the key dismissal of Wellalage. In the end, Sri Lanka succumbed to India’s relentless bowling attack, setting a record-low total of 50 runs in the history of the Asia Cup.
Mohammed Siraj’s exceptional performance with figures of 6/21 earned him the Man of the Match award. Hardik Pandya’s contribution of 3/3 and Jasprit Bumrah’s single wicket were also instrumental in India’s victory.