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In a thrilling Asia Cup 2023 final showdown against Sri Lanka, Indian pace bowler Mohammed Siraj etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a remarkable performance. Siraj delivered a devastating spell that dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup and secured a resounding victory for India.
Siraj’s opening spell was nothing short of sensational. He took a total of six wickets while conceding just 21 runs in his seven-over spell, which included a maiden over. However, it was his initial burst that left Sri Lanka reeling. Siraj reduced Sri Lanka to a precarious 12 for the loss of five wickets in just four overs.
The highlight of Siraj’s performance came during the fourth over of the Lankan innings. With four wickets to his name in the over, he joined an exclusive club of bowlers to achieve this remarkable feat in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
The over that created history:
- First ball: Pathum Nissanka attempted to play a length ball towards the square region but found Ravindra Jadeja at point, who took a routine catch.
- Second ball: Siraj bowled a lethal delivery at 143 clicks which was fraction short and outside off. But Sadeera Samarawickrama shouldered his arms to let it go.
- Third ball: Siraj bowled an in swinging delivery that struck Samarawickrama’s pads, resulting in a leg before wicket dismissal.
- Fourth ball: Going a bit fuller, Siraj induced Charith Asalanka to drive, but the batter chipped it straight to Ishan Kishan at covers.
- Fifth ball: Dhananjaya de Silva, the last hope for Sri Lanka in that over, managed to begin with a boundary.
- Sixth ball: However, Siraj came back strongly and dismissed Dhananjaya, caught behind by the wicketkeeper, to complete his four-wicket haul in a single over.
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj displays a heartwarming gesture towards the Colombo ground staff
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With this incredible achievement, Siraj became only the fifth bowler from full-member nations to claim four wickets in an over in ODIs. The exclusive club features Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga, Pakistan’s Mohammad Sami, and England’s Adil Rashid.
Bowlers with four wickets in an over in ODIs (full-member nations):
Chaminda Vaas against Bangladesh: Chaminda Vaas, the legendary Sri Lankan bowler, achieved the similar feat during an ODI against Bangladesh back in 2003 at Pietermaritzburg.
Mohammad Sami against New Zealand: Former Pakistan pace sensation Mohammad Sami bagged 4 wickets in an over when Pakistan took in New Zealand in 2003 at Lahore.
Lasith Malinga against South Africa: In the 2007 World Cup, Sri Lanka pace bowler Lasith Malinga destroyed South Africa with his splendid bowling. Malinga picked up 4 wickets in an over at Guyana.
Adil Rashid against West Indies: During England’s tour of West Indies in 2019, Adil Rashid impressed one and all when he took four wickets in an over at Grenada.
Mohammed Siraj against Sri Lanka: As explained above, Mohammed Siraj scripted history in the Asia Cup final against the Lankans. Overall, in his seven-over spell, the right-armer bagged 6 wickets for 21 runs.
