The cricket world stood in awe as India’s fiery pace bowler Mohammed Siraj etched his name into the annals of cricket history during the Asia Cup 2023 Final against Sri Lanka. Siraj showcased a spellbinding display of pace and precision in the contest that left the cricket fraternity erupting with excitement. The 29-year-old bowler claimed a sensational five-wicket haul in the blink of an eye within the three-over spell, equalling the legendary Chaminda Vaas‘ record for the quickest ODI fifer.
The collapse of Sri Lanka
The day had begun with Sri Lanka winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, what followed was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle. Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled, with wickets falling like a house of cards. Kusal Perera‘s early dismissal marked the beginning of a cataclysmic collapse for the Sri Lankan side. By the time they reached 12 runs on the scoreboard, six wickets had already fallen, and it was evident that something extraordinary was unfolding.
The Siraj Show
What made this collapse even more remarkable was that five of these wickets were claimed by the relentless Siraj. The Hyderabad-born cricketer started off with a mesmerizing spell of fast bowling, and the statistics tell the story itself as his five-wicket haul came within a mere 16 balls, equalling Vaas’ record that had stood since 2003. Notably, the Sri Lanka veteran had achieved the feat against Bangladesh.
In a spell that will be remembered for years to come, four wickets for Siraj came in a single over, making him the first Indian bowler to achieve this feat in ODI cricket. This over left the Sri Lankan camp in shambles, struggling to come to terms with the sheer brilliance of Siraj’s bowling.
Siraj’s performance not only catapulted India into a commanding position in the Asia Cup 2023 Final but also sent shockwaves through the cricketing world
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The reactions from veteran cricketers and experts
As news of Siraj’s incredible performance spread like wildfire, the cricketing fraternity erupted in celebration. Many veteran cricketers, including the likes of Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, and Wasim Jaffer, took to social media to laud the pace sensation. They praised his relentless aggression, his ability to swing the ball both ways and his impeccable line and length.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Alexa, what’s the weather like today? ☀️”
“Alexa: Sorry, the forecast is Siraj’s spell – unpredictable! 🌧️🏏— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 17, 2023
Mohd Siraj is turning the Asia Cup finals into a thriller with his incredible bowling performance, taking down 5 important wickets! Great going brother @mdsirajoffical 🏏🇮🇳 #AsiaCupFinals #SirajShowdown #INDvSL
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 17, 2023
“Ok Google, play Mohd Siraj”
“Sorry, Mohd Siraj is unplayable!” #INDvSL #AsiaCupFinals pic.twitter.com/rJIBGnQYf3— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 17, 2023
5 wickets in 16 balls! This is like a fantasy playing out for Mohd Siraj.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 17, 2023
Amazing!
Incredible!
Unbelievable!Siraj: The Sensation.🔥#INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/sWN4u1ptPe
— Awanish Sharan 🇮🇳 (@AwanishSharan) September 17, 2023
Mohammad Siraj you have rocked our World. Football scorecard in a cricket match. #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/kPQd4mGXai
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) September 17, 2023
IND v SL 2008 Asia Cup final: Ajanta Mendis 6/13
IND v SL 2023 Asia Cup final: Mohammed Siraj 6/13 so farRohit Sharma only player from both team to be part of the game. pic.twitter.com/NDpPBV6SkG
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) September 17, 2023
MOHAMMAD SIRAJ – YOU FREAKIN LEGEND….!!!!
4 wickets in a single over by Siraj – this is absolute mayhem! pic.twitter.com/VBO85N14Zl
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 17, 2023
Mohammed Siraj talking 4 wickets in 1 over pic.twitter.com/MXuctbMKb1
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) September 17, 2023
FIVE WICKET HAUL BY MOHAMMAD SIRAJ IN JUST 16 BALLS….!!!
A spell of 5/4 in 2.4 overs – this is a historical spell! pic.twitter.com/PMmjYDkzKy
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 17, 2023
Mohammed Siraj in the Powerplay in the Asia Cup final:
0,0,0,0,0,0 – 1st over
W,0,W,W,4,W – 2nd over
0,0,0,W,0,1 – 3rd over
1,0,0,0,0,0 – 4th over
0,1,0,0,0,0 – 5th overOne of the Greatest spells ever in ODI history,Miyann🔥#SLvsIND#siraj #AsiaCup23 pic.twitter.com/s2Hn2NpM7d
— VINEETH🦖 (@sololoveee) September 17, 2023
FIVE WICKET HAUL FOR SIRAJ IN THE ASIA CUP FINAL.
– THE GOAT SPELL. pic.twitter.com/pbatHGhZo2
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 17, 2023
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#Cricket #fraternity #erupts #Mohammed #Siraj #creates #havoc #Asia #Cup #Final #IND