Team India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the highly-anticipated final showdown at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bat first. The start of the game was delayed for a few minutes due to a drizzle. Once the game kicked off, Sri Lanka lost the plot completely as they fell prey to Indian bowlers.
The hosts were left in tatters, courtesy of Mohammed Siraj’s mind-blowing bowling spell. Jasprit Bumrah took the wicket in the first over before Siraj decimated Sri Lanka’s batting line-up with top-tier deliveries. He took the majority of the wickets by bowling right at the slot, which made it quite tougher for the batters. Sri Lankan batters were scratching their heads in confusion as they failed to deal with Siraj.
Sri Lanka were in all sorts of trouble when they were reduced to 12/6 in 5.4 overs. The hosts could have avoided India’s onslaught had they played sensibly but that wasn’t meant to be. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals, sending a bout of jitters to the fans that their team might be bundled out for the lowest-ever team total in their history.
Virat Kohli’s overthrow helps Sri Lanka score 50
Sri Lanka’s lowest-ever team total in ODIs was “43” against South Africa in 2012. However, Sri Lanka went past the 43-run mark in the 14th over. In the same over, Sri Lanka got some bonus runs in the second ball of Siraj’s bowling. Hemantha got an inside edge and the ball went towards fine leg. Hemantha ran two before the drama unfolded as Sri Lanka got rewarded for Virat Kohli’s reckless throw.
Watch the video below:-
— Cricket Punter (@ImRahulCSK11) September 17, 2023
The throw came in at the wicketkeeper’s end where Virat Kohli picked up the ball and quickly aimed at the stumps at the bowler’s end. However, Kohli’s throw proved to be costly as there was literally no fielder backing up. Sri Lanka got the four extra runs but the netizens had a hilarious take on Virat Kohli’s throw.
Check out the reactions below:-
Virat Kohli after knowing RCB's 49 is safe😂#INDvSL #AsianCup2023 #Siraj pic.twitter.com/fMEUyzbnSD
— Amit 𝕏 (@AMITZZZ_) September 17, 2023
Rcb record safe 😂❤️
— 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓱𝓷𝓲 (@Gloomy_Psyche) September 17, 2023
Kohli ensuring Sri Lanka cross 49 with that overthrow pic.twitter.com/Uppi5FU9xf
— R R (@RacchaRidhvik) September 17, 2023
https://twitter.com/saxxxthya/status/1703373565163454942
Kohli Overthrow Made Sure SL Crossed RCB's Record Of 49!!🤣🤣
— 🤸🏻♂️ (@_Charan_Chay) September 17, 2023
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 50 runs and registered their second-lowest total in the history of One-Day Internationals. This is also their lowest-ever total against India in ODIs. In response, India chased down the target with the help of Shubman Gill (27*) and Ishan Kishan (23*). Team India won the game by 10 wickets and lifted their eighth Asia Cup title. Mohammed Siraj was adjudged the Player of the Match for his 6/21.
