India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj turned an unremarkable warm-up match into a memorable victory with his incredible batting. On August 9, Siraj hit four sixes, including three in a row in the final over, helping India chase down a target of 207 and defeat Sri Lanka Cricket XI by six wickets in Colombo.
India ended at 214/4 in 45 overs, with Siraj remaining not out on 32 runs off just 15 balls. His explosive batting gave India a confidence boost ahead of their first Test against Sri Lanka, which starts on August 15 in Galle.
Sri Lanka had declared their second innings at 200/6, setting India’s target. Earlier, the hosts posted 363/8 declared, and India replied with 357/6, led by Devdutt Padikkal’s unbeaten 142. In the chase, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 61, and Shubman Gill added 44 after returning from a finger injury.
With 16 runs needed in the final over, Siraj and Saransh Jain were at the crease. Siraj smashed three consecutive sixes off Keshara Nuwantha’s bowling, securing India’s victory with three balls remaining. He later hit a four and a single to finish unbeaten.
Siraj’s performance showed his ability to contribute valuable runs in the lower order, which could be crucial against Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly wickets. The warm-up match provided both teams valuable practice ahead of the two-Test series, with India looking to build momentum before their first Test in Galle.