After his exceptional performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final on Sunday, September 17, where he achieved his career-best figures of 6/21, Mohammed Siraj displayed a generous gesture by donating his Player of the Match prize money to the ground staff at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
This act followed India’s emphatic 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka, where they dismissed Sri Lanka for a mere 50 runs in 15.2 overs. For those who might not be aware, the Sri Lankan ground staff played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the 50-over tournament, despite the constant threat of rain.
In addition to Siraj’s heartwarming gesture, the organizers separately provided the ground staff with a monetary reward of $USD 50,000 to acknowledge their behind-the-scenes contributions.
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Siraj expressed in the post-match show:
“This cash prize goes to the groundsmen. This tournament wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
Siraj elaborated on his outstanding bowling performance in the final, emphasizing that he took full advantage of the conditions that favored swing:
“Have been bowling well for a long time. Was missing the edges earlier. But found them today. The wicket was seaming earlier, but there was swing today. Thought that I would bowl fuller because of the swing. When there’s good bonding between fast bowlers, it’s helpful for the team.”
Siraj also emerged as the top wicket-taker for India in the tournament, securing 10 wickets in five matches.
“He’s coming off age” – Rohit Sharma praises Mohammed Siraj
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma also commended Mohammed Siraj’s impressive bowling performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final, just before the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India. He mentioned during the post-match discussion:
“Siraj has to be given a lot of credit. Rare for seamers to move the ball in the air and off the pitch. He’s coming off age.”
Sharma added:
“Such a performance we will cherish for a long time. I never thought it was going to do that much. Comes down to the skillset of individuals. We did everything we could’ve achieved as a team in this tournament.”
In 2023, Siraj has taken 29 wickets in 13 ODIs, which includes three instances of claiming four wickets in a match. He aims to maintain his excellent form in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia in India as preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The Indian team’s next match will be held at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on September 22.
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