On this day in 2023 Mohammed Siraj’s frenetic powerplay blast obliterated Sri Lanka

A year ago in Colombo, the world witnessed one of the most destructive new ball spells from Mohammed Siraj as he ran roughshod over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final. Six wickets in a span of seven overs, four of which came in just one, left the hosts wobbling in a mad burst of frenzy all across the globe.

It all started with a brilliant grab from Ravindra Jadeja after Pathum Nissanka’s miscued attempt to try and help the ball on its way went square and Siraj registered his first of the afternoon. A couple of balls later, Miyan struck again, this time with an inswinger that left Sadeera Samarawickrama gasping for breath in front of the stumps.

He was just starting to breathe fire as he got rid of Charith Asalanka for a golden duck with a straighter delivery that had a hint of late wobble and Ishan Kishan pouched a comfortable take at cover with a reverse cup. The last ball of the over saw Siraj strike his fourth as Dhananjaya de Silva, beaten for swing and pace, nicked one to KL Rahul.

Siraj’s menacing inswingers continued to push Sri Lanka on the backfoot and he completed his fifer with another one that curved in. Dasun Shanaka trying to push the ball away from his stumps had no clue regarding its whereabouts and his off-pole was deracinated with no mercy whatsoever.

His last wicket came from another inswinger that turned Kusal Mendis’ stumps into a shambolic spectacle with the latter’s ambitious attempt at a booming drive fizzling away into oblivion. The emphatic performance from Mohammed Siraj forced Sri Lanka into a shell of mortification while the Indian batters chased down the total of 51 runs in just 6.1 overs, registering their eighth crown of the continent.