(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] India clinched their eighth Asia Cup title with a comprehensive ten-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Sri Lanka, choosing to bat first, was bowled out for just 50 runs, courtesy of a sensational performance by Mohammed Siraj, who took 6/21 in seven overs. In reply, India chased down the target in 6.1 overs to secure the title.
After the game, a viral image showed Virat Kohli calmly celebrating a wicket, a departure from his usual animated celebrations. Kohli was seen lying on the grass with his eyes closed after taking a catch at first slip off the bowling of Hardik Pandya.
Siraj registered his best ODI bowling figures (6/21), with support from Jasprit Bumrah (1/23 in 5 overs) and Hardik Pandya (3/3 in 2.2 overs). India’s opening pair, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, started aggressively, scoring boundaries from the first over. They successfully chased the target, recording India’s largest win in terms of balls remaining (263 balls). Kishan remained unbeaten on 23* (18), while Gill scored 27* off 19.
With this victory, India secured their eighth Asia Cup title, maintaining their dominance in the continental tournament. India is the most successful team in Asia Cup history, followed by Sri Lanka with six titles and Pakistan with two.