IND vs SL: 'Asia Cup 2023 Wouldn't Have Been Possible Without Them' - Mohammed Siraj Dedicates His Cash Prize To Ground Staff

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj talked about his match-winning spell in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. He dedicated his Player of The Match cash prize to groundstaff, saying that without them the tournament wouldn’t have been possible. 

Mohammed Siraj helped India lift their 8th Asia Cup title as he produced one of the best spells in the ODIs. The fast bowler took the cricketing world by storm as he rattled the Sri Lanka batting lineup and it was because of his magnificent performance that his side wrapped up opposition for just 50 runs. 

Mohammed Siraj took the new ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah and he bowled impeccable lines and lengths in the first over, which was maiden. After getting the feel of the surface, the fast bowler made the ball talk and registered the fastest-ever 5-wicket haul in a spell for India in international cricket. The pacer took just 16 balls to achieve the feat. 

Mohammed Siraj picked 6 wickets in a flash and removed Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, and Kusal Mendis. He returned with the figures of 6/21, which is the second-best in the history of the Asia Cup. 

Mohammed Siraj talked about his performance and said he has been bowling well for a while and is delighted that things went his way today. He also rated his bowling performance as his best spell. Speaking at the post-match presentation, he explained: 

“No biryani here. Have been bowling well since a long time. Was missing the edges earlier. But found them today. The wicket was seaming earlier, but there was swing today. Thought that I will bowl fuller because of the swing. When there’s good bonding between fast bowlers, it’s helpful for the team. 

“I was thinking it would be great if I could stop the boundary. My best spell. This cash prize goes to the groundsmen. This tournament wouldn’t have been possible without them.” 

IND vs SL: Wanted to make the batters drive – Mohammed Siraj 

Mohammed Siraj spoke to broadcasters after the first innings as well. He said he planned to make batters drive and he wanted to make an impact because he didn’t have success in the last few games. He explained: 

“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 outswinger. Wanted to make the batters drive.” 

India won their 8th Asia Cup title. They will now be seen in action when they take on Australia in the three-match ODI series. The first game will be played on 22nd September.