In a dominant performance, India defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final of the 2023 Asia Cup on Sunday. India bowled Sri Lanka out for just 50 runs in 15.2 overs, before openers Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill chased down the target in just 6.1 overs.
Mohammed Siraj was the star of the bowling attack for India, taking 6 wickets for just 21 runs. Siraj was in devastating form, bowling with pace and accuracy to dismiss the Sri Lankan top order. He dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva.
Hardik Pandya also chipped in with three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah took one. Sri Lanka's batting was a complete failure, as they failed to get going from the start. Only Kusal Mendis offered any resistance, scoring 17 runs before he was dismissed by Siraj.
In reply, India made light work of the chase. Kishan and Gill put on a quickfire 51-run partnership, with Kishan scoring 23 runs off 18 balls and Gill scoring 27 runs off 19 balls.
The win was India's seventh Asia Cup title, and their first since 2018. It was also a much-needed win for India, who had lost their previous two matches against Sri Lanka in the tournament.
Key moments of the match
- Mohammed Siraj's opening spell of 4-0-21-6 was the turning point of the match. He dismissed Sri Lanka's top three batsmen in quick succession to leave them reeling at 8-3.
- Hardik Pandya also bowled well, taking three wickets for just 12 runs. He dismissed Sri Lanka's middle order to put them in further trouble.
- Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill made light work of the chase, putting on a quickfire 51-run partnership to seal India's win.
The win will also give India confidence ahead of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, which will be held in India later this year.
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