(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] India secured their record-extending eighth Asia Cup title with a resounding victory over Sri Lanka at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, September 17.
Captain Dasun Shanaka chose to bat first, but India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, displayed relentless hunger from the outset. Sri Lanka’s batsmen struggled against India’s high-quality bowling, with five of them being dismissed for a duck, leading to a meager total of just 50 runs in 15.2 overs.
Siraj was exceptional, finishing with figures of 6/21 in seven overs, while Hardik Pandya also shone with the ball, taking three wickets in 2.2 overs, conceding only three runs. In response, India comfortably chased down the modest target in 6.1 overs, with openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan remaining unbeaten on 27 and 23 runs, respectively, sealing a remarkable victory for the “Men in Blue.”
Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan, known for his cheeky social media posts, humorously commented that India’s neighbors were trying to make noise but couldn’t reach Colombo with their voices.
“India’s neighbors are still trying to make noise, but their voices aren’t reaching Colombo. #Sunday,” tweeted the left-arm seamer.
Shubman Gill emerged as the top run-scorer in the Asia Cup 2023, amassing 302 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 75.50. Meanwhile, Siraj was India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 10 wickets from five matches at an average of 12.20.
Matheesha Pathirana of Sri Lanka topped the list of highest wicket-takers in the six-team competition.