Following a remarkable performance in the somewhat lackluster Asia Cup 2023 final, where he took several crucial wickets, Mohammad Siraj, the standout Indian fast bowler of the match, has shown a kind-hearted gesture towards the dedicated ground staff toiling away amidst Sri Lanka’s rainy season.
The Asia Cup 2023, which Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-hosted, reached a successful conclusion. Pakistan participated in four matches, while Sri Lanka took part in nine games throughout the tournament.
Siraj, who proved to be a game-changer in the Asia Cup finale, said: “This award goes to the ground staff. Without them, this tournament wouldn’t have been possible. They deserve all the credit.”
The chief of the Asian Cricket Council, Jay Shah, announced a $50,000 award on behalf of the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket for curators and ground staff working in Kandy.
Rain disrupted numerous scheduled matches in Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup 2023, including the group-stage clash between Pakistan and India, which ended in a no result. Additionally, the semi-final encounter in the Super 4 stage between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was also adversely affected by the weather conditions.
Amid this, the Sri Lankan ground staff earned well-deserved praise for their tireless efforts to ensure the completion of rain-affected matches. This commendable dedication touched the heart of Indian bowler Mohammad Siraj, who, at 29 years old, displayed a generous gesture by handing over his $5,000 ‘Player of the Match’ prize to the ground staff at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
Siraj’s exceptional bowling performance during the final disrupted the Sri Lankan batting lineup, as he claimed six wickets while conceding only 21 runs in his allotted overs, limiting them to a mere 50 runs. India’s victory was followed by a swift chase that secured their eighth Asia Cup title.
The fast bowler initially dismissed Pathum Nissanka and subsequently took the wickets of Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Dhananjaya de Silva, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 12 for five within just four overs.
Siraj concluded the match with historic figures of six wickets for 21 runs in seven overs. Notably, this achievement saw him match the record of former Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas for the quickest ODI five-for, accomplished in just 16 balls. Vaas had achieved this milestone against Bangladesh in 2003.
Furthermore, during this spell, Siraj reached the milestone of 50 ODI wickets in his 29th ODI match, making him the joint-fourth-quickest among all Indian bowlers to achieve this feat.
