In a highly one-sided Asia Cup 2023 final, India clinched their eighth Asia Cup title with a resounding 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka. The match was marked by a stellar performance from Mohammed Siraj, who dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting lineup with a sensational six-wicket haul.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, but the game experienced a 40-minute rain delay. Facing a formidable Indian team, Sri Lanka had been in excellent form, with Kusal Mendis leading the way with the bat. However, their only defeat in their last 15 ODIs had come against India, who were fielding a strong side.
The match’s turning point came within the first six overs, as Mohammed Siraj delivered a masterclass in fast bowling. He secured a five-wicket haul in just that span, reducing Sri Lanka to a staggering 12/6 in 5.4 overs. Siraj’s incredible performance continued, as he eventually claimed six wickets for just 21 runs, setting a new record for the best bowling figures by any bowler in an ODI against Sri Lanka. Hardik Pandya also contributed with three wickets, quickly ending the Sri Lankan innings in the 16th over, leaving them all out for just 50 runs, their second-lowest ODI total ever.
𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏. 𝘼. 𝙒𝙄𝙉! 😎
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 17, 2023
A clinical show in the summit clash! 👌👌
A resounding 10-wicket win to clinch the #AsiaCup2023 title 👏👏
Well done, #TeamIndia! 🇮🇳#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/M9HnJcVOGR
Chasing this meager target, India opened with Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, who displayed remarkable prowess. They swiftly amassed 32 runs in just three overs, and India clinched victory in the seventh over with a remarkable 263 balls to spare.
Also Read: IND vs SL, Asia Cup 2023 Final: End of Sri Lanka’s Innings – Indian Pacers Trashes Out Lankan BattersThis victory was historic in multiple ways. It marked the third-shortest ODI in terms of deliveries bowled, with only 37 balls used during the Indian innings. It also represented the largest margin of victory in terms of balls remaining in an ODI final. Moreover, this win stood as India’s most comprehensive ODI victory in terms of balls remaining, surpassing their previous record of 231 balls against Kenya in 2001.
📸📸 That winning feeling 😃👌#TeamIndia | #AsiaCup2023 | #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/l3lz2UdjQ0
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 17, 2023
In short, India’s commanding performance, led by Mohammed Siraj’s brilliance with the ball, secured their eighth Asia Cup title in a match that will be remembered for its one-sided dominance and historic records. India’s dominant performance in this final underscored their strength, with key players like Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli contributing significantly throughout the tournament.