India defeats Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2023 final: A unique perspective

On September 17, 2023, India defeated Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match was a one-sided match with Indian Bowlers knocking down Srilankan Batters for the lowest score of 50 runs within a span of 15.2 overs. Indian captain hardly used the ace spinners on the side with only one over bowled by Kuldeep Yadav who conceded only one run in the over. I was lucky enough to be there to witness this historic match, and I wanted to share my unique perspective as a fan. I’ve been a cricket fan since I was a child, and I’ve been to many matches over the years. But this match was different. There was something special about the atmosphere at the R Premadasa Stadium. It was electric. Both teams had their hearts on the Asia Cup 2023 with Sri Lanka having fought well to reach the finals and India too had some wonderful matches enroute to the finals. But in the end, India came out on top.

I was particularly impressed with Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. Kohli scored a brilliant half-century, and Pant finished the match with a quick-fire unbeaten 50.

India’s bowlers were so excellent especially Siraj who took six wickets, and was the most destructive bowler on the pitch.

Siraj’s fiery over

Siraj started his bowling spell with a maiden, beating Kusal Mendis’ outside edge four times. In his next over, he unleashed a fiery spell to take four wickets in four balls. He dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva. Siraj completed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul by dismissing Dasun Shanaka in his next over.

Sri Lanka’s collapse

At 12 for 6, Sri Lanka were in tatters. Mendis and Dunith Wellalage added some respectability to the scoreboard with a 21-run stand for the seventh wicket, but Siraj got one to nip back to rattle Mendis’ middle stump. Hardik Pandya then wrapped up the innings with three quick wickets.

India’s easy chase

Gill and Kishan faced no trouble in chasing down the paltry target. Gill opened his account by flicking Pramod Madushan for four on the last ball of the first over. Kishan struck back-to-back fours off Matheesha Pathirana, only for Gill to go one up on him in the next over with three in three balls. Kishan sealed the win with a single to long-off in the seventh over.

Conclusion

Siraj’s fiery over and five-wicket haul were the highlights of the match. He completely destroyed the Sri Lankan batting line-up and helped India to a comfortable victory.

Sri Lanka (50 ovs maximum)

Pathum Nissanka c Jadeja b Mohammed Siraj 2 (4)