In the thrilling finale of the Asia Cup 2023 held in Colombo on Sunday, Team India delivered an unforgettable performance. Their bowling unit managed to dismiss Sri Lanka for a mere 50 runs, thanks largely to the sensational display by pacer Mohammed Siraj. Siraj’s remarkable six-wicket haul shattered Sri Lanka’s batting lineup and drew comparisons to the legendary Chaminda Vaas.

The Hyderabad-based pacer equaled Chaminda Vaas’ record for taking five wickets in just 16 balls, a feat Vaas achieved during the 2003 World Cup match against Bangladesh.

Despite their dominant display with the ball, Team India encountered an unexpected hiccup in their fielding.

In the 14th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, an eventful moment unfolded. Dushan Hemantha played a shot off Siraj’s delivery, and a quick double was on the cards. The ball reached the capable hands of wicketkeeper Virat Kohli, who had a chance to secure a wicket. However, his throw resulted in an unfortunate overthrow, racing past the boundary line and gifting Sri Lanka an additional four runs. Kohli’s initial disappointment quickly turned into a smile, as India remained in a dominant position within the game.

Returning to the sensational Siraj, he etched his name in the record books by becoming only the fourth bowler in ODI history to claim four wickets in a single over. He matched Chaminda Vaas once again, becoming the quickest to achieve a five-wicket haul in one-day internationals. Siraj’s dance of destruction took place in the fourth over, with victims including Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samaraiwickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya De Silva.

Sri Lanka, who won the toss, found themselves in an embarrassing predicament, losing their first six wickets for a mere 12 runs. Their innings concluded in just 15.2 overs, with the top scorer being Kusal Mendis, who managed to secure 17 runs from 34 balls.