[Watch] Mohammed Siraj finally strikes after pleading to Rohit Sharma for a review in IND vs SL 3rd ODI
Mohammed Siraj bounced back after proving expensive for India against Sri Lanka in the ODI series decider at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7. The speedster prompted India captain Rohit Sharma for a successful review against Sadeera Samarawickrama, who departed for a golden duck.
With that, Siraj dismissed Samarawickrama for the third time in the 50-over format without giving any runs (3 innings, 7 balls, 0 runs).
The dismissal came in the 39th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. Siraj bowled a full-length ball to trap Samarawickrama in front of the stumps. The right-hander brought the bat in time but the ball hit the boots first.
The on-field umpires and skipper Rohit didn’t look interested in Siraj’s appeal. The speedster then pleaded to Rohit to take the review and the replays showed three reds. Following the wicket, Siraj looked relieved while celebrating with his teammates.
Watch the video below:
Mohammed Siraj proves expensive in IND vs SL series decider
Mohammed Siraj proved expensive for India against Sri Lanka in the ODI series decider. The speedster leaked 65 runs in his eight overs, which came as a big surprise as Siraj had 21 scalps in eight ODIs against the Islanders before this game. The Hyderabad pacer was the only specialist fast bowler in the India playing XI after Arshdeep Singh was dropped from the third ODI.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka put up 248/7 in 50 overs. Avishka Fernando starred with the bat for the hosts, scoring 96 runs off 102 balls with the help of two sixes and nine boundaries. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka also chipped in with scores of 59 (82) and 45 (65), respectively. Kamindu Mendis also played a handy knock of unbeaten 23 (19).
Riyan Parag starred with the ball for the visitors, returning with figures of 3/54, while Siraj, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav bagged one wicket apiece.
The Charith Asalanka-led side are leading the three-match ODI series 1-0 following their 32-run win over Team India in the second game. The opening game had ended in a tie as they scored 230 apiece. Sri Lanka are chasing their first-ever series win against India since 1997.
Follow the IND vs SL 3rd ODI live score and updates here.