Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj had a brilliant outing in the third ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday, January 15 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. He took a four-wicket haul to power Team India, bowling the visitors out for a paltry 73. Team India secured a huge victory of 317 runs, white-washing the three-match ODI series.
Chasing 391 runs, Sri Lanka couldn’t face the wrath of Mohammed Siraj’s bowling. The Indian pacer drew first blood when he dismissed opener Avishka Fernando for just one run. He then sent back Kusal Mendis, Nuwanidu Fernando, and Wanindu Hasaranga to break the back of the Sri Lankan chase.
A good day on the field and it was wonderful to watch @ShubmanGill & @imVkohli bhai bat today. Congratulations on your 100s and thanks to the almighty for giving me this opportunity to contribute in team’s biggest win. Shukar 🙏🇮🇳 @BCCI pic.twitter.com/ZDAVMRL250
— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) January 15, 2023
Siraj also pulled off a run-out in the innings, dismissing Chamika Karuratne. He tried his best to get a fifer, but couldn’t as he finished his quota of overs. The pacer finished the match with bowling figures of four wickets, conceding thirty-two runs. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Siraj said,
“I wanted to try and get my first fifer. Tried very hard, but you get only as much as you deserve. The outswing was coming out nicely, but the wicket-taking over was the scrambled seam. I just try to generate some doubt in the batter’s mind with those outswing deliveries. Captain tried hard to get me that fifer, but what can we do.”
Let’s take a look at how fans reacted to Mohammed Siraj’s brilliant bowling performance:
You need great skills and big heart to get a batsman to edge in slips and hit the stumps on flat pitch. Mohammad Siraj will be Inida's Brahmastra at World Cup at home. @mdsirajofficial
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 15, 2023
Mohammed Siraj has been sensational in the recent past with the new ball.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 15, 2023
How good has Mohd Siraj become with the new white ball! I am especially delighted that the lovely outswinger is back at his command.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 15, 2023
When Siraj sees top-order batsmen: #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/h2VUxaXVDJ
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) January 15, 2023
Another dominating cricket by team India,century by king kohli and Gill but demolishing act was done by siraj.@imVkohli @ShubmanGill #BCCI
— Lalchand Rajput (@Lalchandrajput7) January 15, 2023
Mohd. Siraj turned in a brilliant spell on a slow track and Kuldeep continued yo impress throughout the series. Just hope Ashen Bandara and Vandersay are fine, the collision looked scary. #IndvsSL
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 15, 2023
P.U.R.E.D.O.M.I.N.A.T.I.O.N.🔥
Super Siraj's 4️⃣-fer & unbelievable run-out make it 3-0 for 🇮🇳 🥳#INDvSL #MohammedSiraj pic.twitter.com/zVnktsGfmt
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) January 15, 2023
The unstoppable Siraj: 4 wickets & 1 run-out. pic.twitter.com/Xjl21AZI2b
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 15, 2023
Mohammed Siraj is always making the batters think: Virat Kohli
Team India batter Virat Kohli was all praise for pacer Mohammed Siraj for his performance in the third ODI against Sri Lanka. He expressed that Siraj has been outstanding, highlighting that the pacer has picked most of his wickets in the powerplay. Kohli added that Siraj makes the batters think about his plans, which is a great sign for the team ahead of the World Cup.
“Shami has always been there for us but the way Siraj has come up has been outstanding. He has taken the maximum number of wickets in the powerplay, which was an issue for us early. He is always making the batters think, which is a great sign for us going into the World Cup,” said Virat Kohli as the post-match presentation.
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