Meanwhile, India’s standout performer, Mohammed Siraj, shed light on his remarkable spell of 6/21 in the Asia Cup final. Siraj accounted for key wickets, including those of Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samaraiwickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya De Silva in his second over. He returned later to dismiss Lankan skipper Dasun Shanka with a brilliant delivery.

“I had practiced extensively on generating out-swing deliveries from wide of the crease during our time in West Indies. My outswingers were working well, so I tried from wide of the crease to push for inswing (which will move away after pitching),” Siraj explained to bcci.tv.

He added, “What I planned, what I had in mind, turned out to be absolutely perfect, and it was my best wicket of the game,” in a conversation with Indian teammate Kuldeep Yadav.

With less than a month remaining before the World Cup, Siraj emphasized that his outstanding performance in the Asia Cup final would bolster his confidence as he prepares for the mega event.

“It’s a great achievement for me, especially since it’s the final. It will help me gain a lot of confidence before the (ODI) World Cup,” he stated.

Siraj also reflected on his magical spell, saying, “To be honest, it was a magical spell, as I had never dreamt about it. I had to struggle hard to secure the fifth wicket in the last ODI against Lanka in Trivandrum, which never came. But, it all worked out today (Sunday).”

“In my first spell, the moment I saw I was able to swing the ball, I realized that I didn’t need to hit the wicket. I just intended on bowling at a particular spot and make the ball talk.”