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On a memorable Sunday evening at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, cricket fans witnessed an astonishing display of bowling prowess as India faced off against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 Final. What transpired during this encounter will go down as one of the most unforgettable moments in cricket history, as India bowled out Sri Lanka for a mere 50 runs, marking the lowest total ever recorded in an ODI final.
The destruction unleashed by Mohammed Siraj
The hero of the day for India was none other than the sensational fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. He created havoc among the Sri Lankan batting lineup, delivering a spell of bowling that will be remembered for generations to come. Siraj’s figures of 6/21 were nothing short of extraordinary, and he wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan top order.
The fall of Sri Lankan wickets
The downfall of the Sri Lankan batting order was swift and brutal. From the very beginning, it was clear that the Indian bowlers were on a mission. The wickets tumbled with alarming speed, and the scoreboard made for painful reading for Sri Lankan fans.
The first wicket fell with just a solitary run on the board when Kusal Perera departed in the third over. The carnage continued as Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Dasun Shanaka were all sent packing without contributing much to the total. At 12-6, Sri Lanka was in complete disarray.
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Kusal Mendis, who had managed to score 17 runs, was the only Sri Lankan batter to reach double figures. However, he too succumbed to the relentless Indian attack and couldn’t prevent the impending disaster as he fell victim to Siraj. The lower order offered little resistance, but Sri Lanka was eventually bowled out for a paltry 50 runs in just 15.2 overs.
Mohammed Siraj’s record-equalling feat
In the midst of this catastrophe, Mohammed Siraj etched his name into the annals of cricket history. His six-wicket haul in the final was not only match-winning but also equalled the record for the quickest five-wicket haul in international cricket, previously held by the legendary Chaminda Vaas. This remarkable achievement underlined Siraj’s growing stature in world cricket and highlighted his ability to deliver on the big stage.
Sri Lanka registers lowest total in an ODI final
Sri Lanka’s dismal performance in the Asia Cup 2023 Final marked an embarrassing feat. It was not only a significant loss but also an ignominious record as it became the lowest total ever recorded in an ODI final.
Lowest totals in ODI finals
- 50 – Sri Lanka vs India, Colombo, R Premadasa Stadium, 2023
- 54 – India vs Sri Lanka, Sharjah, 2000
- 78 – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, Sharjah, 2002
- 81 – Oman vs Namibia, Windhoek, 2019
