Mohammed Siraj - (Source: ScreenGrab/X)
Mohammed Siraj’s low-key aspiration to bat more for India got fulfilled on Sunday, when the right-arm seamer hogged the headlines for his batting. The 32-year-old stunned the Indian dressing room with his batting prowess and chased down 16 runs off the final over.
The three-day practise match between India and Sri Lanka XI came to an end on Sunday, and India won the match by 6 wickets. It was indeed treated as a preparatory game by Gautam Gambhir because the likes of Gurnoor Brar and Mohammed Siraj walked to bat at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively.
Mohammed Siraj steals the show with 16 runs off the final over
Talking about the match, India were required to score 209 runs off the final day. Shubman Gill returned to bat, and as soon as any top-order batter reached his fifty, the management sent in a new batter to allow them some game time.
Siraj walked in to bat when India were 181/4. The right-arm seamer got off to a decent start and slammed a six in the penultimate over of the match. Eventually, India required 16 runs to win off the final over, and Miyan channelled his inner Viv Richards.
Also Read: Mohammed Siraj's Test Record Without Jasprit Bumrah: Are India In Safe Hands For SL Tests?
Keshara Nuwantha came to bowl and was not spared by the India ace. Mohammed Siraj whacked three consecutive sixes that got the dressing room full of smiles and cheers. It is not daily you see Siraj taking on the bowlers in such a manner.
Eventually, India won the match with three balls to spare, and Siraj scored 27 (12), sending a message to Gautam Gambhir and his management that he is ready to bat up the order if required.
Sri Lanka Players Check Bat, India Stars Laugh Heart Out
It was a jovial mood following Mohammed Siraj's heroics as the entire Indian dressing room erupted in smiles and laughter. India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who sat in the balcony for the entire game, also had a smile on his face, watching Siraj bat.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka stars took Siraj bat and scanned it thoroughly in admiration. The right-arm seamer loves performing against the Island Nation and has troubled them in the past as well. Hence, the players took the bat away from the 32-year-old.
Why Did India Continue To Bat Despite Match Getting Over?
As mentioned above, India required 16 runs to win off the final over of the game. Siraj completed the chase with three balls to spare and despite the successful run-chase, the two teams continued to play.
The fans were confused and seeked answers. There is nothing in it but since it was a practice match and the last over of the match, so the umpire allowed both teams to play the remaining three balls and complete the over.
Therefore, Siraj, who appeared to have requested to the Sri Lanka bowler to bowl the remaining deliveries, slammed another boundary in that over.
Also Read: Gurnoor Brar Yells At Sri Lanka Captain In A Fiery Sendoff
.jpg?type=mq "Gurnoor Brar breathes fire")
