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 on 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.

As if his sensational performance with the ball wasn’t enough, Siraj won hearts with a heartwarming gesture by giving away his Player-of-the-Match cash prize to the Colombo ground staff.

“This cash prize goes to the groundsmen. This tournament wouldn’t have been possible without them," Siraj, who received USD 5000 (₹4.15 lakh) for his heroics in the final, said in the post-match presentation.

Pathum Nissanka (2), Kusal Mendis (17), Charith Asalanka (0), Sadeera Samarawickrama (0), Dhananjaya de Silva (4) and Dasun Shanaka (0) were his victims in the summit clash.

“Have been bowling well since 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 will bowl fuller because of the swing. When there's good bonding between fast bowlers, it's helpful for the team. I was thinking it would be great if I could stop the boundary,” Siraj added.

Thanks to Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul, India bundled out Sri Lanka for a paltry 50 in 15.2 overs.

India then took just 6.1 overs to overhaul the target and clinch their record-extending 8th Asia Cup title. Openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan played some gorgeous strokes and stayed unbeaten on 27 and 23, respectively.