India dominated Sri Lanka in Colombo, securing their eighth Asia Cup title in a resounding victory. The Men in Blue effortlessly chased down a meager target of 51 runs, with openers Shubman Gill and Ishan leading the charge and sealing the win in just 6.1 overs.
Earlier in the match, Mohammed Siraj showcased his brilliance by tearing through Sri Lanka's batting order, causing their downfall in a mere 15.2 overs. It is worth noting that Rohit Sharma has now become the second Indian captain to achieve back-to-back ODI Asia Cup titles, further solidifying his place in cricket history.
The game began with Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, their hopes were quickly dashed as Jasprit Bumrah struck early, and Siraj's exceptional performance saw him take four wickets in a single over, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at a dismal 12/6. Hardik Pandya also contributed to the Lankan collapse by claiming three wickets, resulting in their innings folding for a mere 50 runs in 15.2 overs.
India clinch eighth title
India is now the most successful team in the Asia Cup, having won a record-breaking eight titles in 1984, 1988, 1990/91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2023. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has clinched six titles in 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, and 2022.
India's biggest win in ODIs
India achieved their most significant victory in ODI cricket, triumphing over their opponents by a staggering margin of 263 balls. This remarkable feat surpasses their previous record-breaking win against Kenya in 2001, where they outperformed their opponents by 231 balls.
Joint-quickest fifer in ODIs
Siraj achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by dismissing Sri Lankan captain Shanaka, securing his first-ever five-wicket haul in One Day International (ODI) cricket. This accomplishment was accomplished in a mere 16 deliveries, making it one of the fastest five-wicket hauls by a bowler in ODI history. In fact, Siraj now shares this record with the esteemed Sri Lankan cricketer, Chaminda Vaas, who also achieved a five-wicket haul in just 16 balls against Bangladesh back in 2003.
Best bowling figures against SL in ODIs
Siraj's sixth wicket came in the form of Kusal Mendis, who scored 17 runs. The talented bowler achieved this remarkable feat by taking 6 wickets for just 21 runs in a span of seven overs, including a maiden. These outstanding figures now stand as the best ever recorded against Sri Lanka in a One Day International (ODI) match. Siraj's exceptional performance surpassed the previous record held by the legendary Pakistani cricketer, Waqar Younis, who took 6 wickets for 26 runs in Sharjah back in 1990.
Lowest total in an ODI final
Only two teams have been bowled out for under 70 runs in an ODI final. Sri Lanka has now joined India on this exclusive list. The Men in Blue were dismissed for a mere 54 runs against the Lankans in the 2000 Champions Trophy final held in Sharjah.
Second Indian captain to win consecutive Asia Cup titles (ODIs)
Rohit Sharma has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the second Indian captain to secure consecutive ODI Asia Cup titles. Under his astute leadership, India emerged victorious in the 2018 championship by defeating Bangladesh in a thrilling final held in the United Arab Emirates.
This triumph places Rohit in esteemed company, as he joins the ranks of former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin. It was under Azharuddin's captaincy that India clinched the prestigious Asia Cup in both 1991 and 1995
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