Mohammed Siraj put on a fast bowling exhibition to script India’s crushing 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo last Sunday (September 17).
The right-arm quick ran through the Lankan batting line-up after India were asked to bowl first in the all-important game.
After bowling a maiden first over, Siraj dismissed four Sri Lankan batters in his second over to reduce the hosts to 12/5. He took two more wickets later in the innings and returned with the figures of 6 for 21 in his 7 overs, helping India bundled out the opposition for a mere 50.
Impressed with his exploits, South African legend AB de Villiers hailed the Indian pacer for his never-give-up attitude.
“What stands out with him is attitude. We have spoken before on how attitude can really uplift you. If you never give up and if you keep trying and you make your attitude catchy with your teammates, the people want you there, the fans want you there. That’s where you start doing some brilliant and special things on the park,” De Villiers, who played alongside Siraj during his time at RCB, said on his YouTube channel.
“He’s always in your face. The bowlers that I respected most are the guys that never gave up, that would always complete every single ball, be in your face. That’s what Mohammed Siraj does well. He’s not scared of trying his short ball. He’s there in the batter’s face and is always trying to get you out. The batters can feel that and Sri Lanka certainly felt that in the final,” he added.
Siraj finished the continental tournament with 10 wickets at an average of 12.2. As a result, he achieved the No. 1 position in the updated ICC Men’s ODI Rankings for bowlers.
AB de Villiers also called Siraj a “perfect fast bowler” for his attitude.
“What a fantastic turnaround from that start for Mohammed Siraj. Simply incredible by Siraj. Some soft wickets there – the pressure of a final. But the thing that stands out is he keeps trying. His attitude is spot on. The perfect fast bowler, if I can say that,” he concluded.
