Mohammed Siraj usually makes headlines for what he does with the ball. This time, though, the Indian pacer entertained everyone with the bat.
Siraj smashed three sixes in a row as India chased down 207 against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in their warm-up match in Colombo. He finished unbeaten on 32 and helped India wrap up the chase in style.
India were already close to the target when Siraj walked in. There was no real pressure on the visitors, but Siraj decided to have some fun.
The fast bowler cleared the boundary three times in a row and brought the chase to an end without any drama. It was the kind of cameo that you do not always expect from a tailender, especially a fast bowler better known for his aggressive bowling.
Siraj had also done his job with the ball earlier in the day.
Siraj strikes early with the ball
India began the final day with Sri Lanka Cricket XI holding a six-run lead after the visitors declared their first innings. Siraj took the new ball and made an immediate impact. He got the ball to move around and troubled the Sri Lankan batters with both movement and bounce.
Prasidh Krishna also picked up an early wicket as Sri Lanka Cricket XI found themselves in trouble at 21/2. Nishan Fernando then steadied the innings. He put together useful partnerships with Pavan Rathnayake and Anjala Bandara and helped the hosts recover.
Fernando scored 63 from 73 balls before retiring. Bandara added 35 before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him. Sri Lanka Cricket XI eventually declared at tea and gave India a target of 207. That gave India a decent opportunity to give their batters some time in the middle.
Jaiswal takes the attack to Sri Lanka
Shubman Gill returned to action after missing India’s first innings as a precaution following his finger injury. He opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal, and the two left nothing to chance. Jaiswal went after the bowlers from the start. He attacked the spinners, played his sweeps well and found the boundaries regularly. Gill, meanwhile, played his shots without taking too many risks.
The pair soon put India firmly in control. Gill and Jaiswal added 105 runs for the opening wicket. Jaiswal then retired out after making an impressive 61 from 46 balls. His innings included nine fours and two sixes. It was another reminder of the attacking style he brings to the top of the order.
Gill carried on for a little longer before Sri Lanka Cricket XI finally got his wicket. He made 44 from 54 balls and hit seven boundaries. For Gill, the innings was particularly useful after the recent concern over his finger. Getting some time in the middle was probably more important than the actual score.
Pant takes his time before changing gears
Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel then came together with India well placed in the chase. The partnership added 45 runs, although Pant had a surprisingly slow start. The wicketkeeper-batter faced 21 balls before finally getting off the mark. When he did score, he made sure people noticed. Pant opened his account with a six. Jurel eventually fell with India needing only a few more runs. That brought Siraj into the game, and the pacer wasted little time.
Siraj turns the finish into a six-hitting show
Siraj walked out with India almost home. Most batters in that situation would simply look to finish the chase safely. Siraj had other ideas. He went after the bowling and smashed three sixes in a row.
Just like that, a routine finish turned into one of the most entertaining moments of the match. Siraj ended the game unbeaten on 32, and his three sixes made sure everyone would remember his contribution.
It was also a typical Siraj moment in a way. He plays with plenty of energy, whether he has the ball in his hand or not. On this occasion, that aggression worked with the bat. India did not need a big innings from Siraj. They only needed a few runs to finish the chase. But instead of quietly getting those runs, he chose to attack and finished the match with a bang. That will please India as they look ahead to their upcoming Test assignment.
