Mohammed Siraj produced an unexpected batting heroics on Sunday, smashing three straight sixes in the final over to help India beat Sri Lanka Cricket XI by six wickets in their warm-up match.Needing 16 runs to win, Siraj finished unbeaten on 32 off 15 balls, including four sixes and a boundary, after taking the attack apart.Siraj walked in with India needing 16 from the final over. Keshara Nuwantha bowled three deliveries in his hitting zone, and the Indian pacer punished every one, clearing the boundary over deep midwicket each time.The three sixes brought India home with three balls remaining. Siraj’s stunning finish left India’s coaching staff smiling, while Sri Lankan players were even seen checking his bat after the assault.Watch:He eventually remained unbeaten on 32 from just 15 deliveries, hitting four sixes and one four. India then chose to play out the remaining three balls of the over.The late fireworks followed Gurnoor Brar’s own big-hitting display earlier in the match, when he smashed four sixes in the final over on the previous day.
Jaiswal, Gill and Pant make an impact
Siraj’s late cameo completed a useful practice game for India ahead of their Test series against Sri Lanka. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill made valuable contributions during the chase, while Rishabh Pant also showed encouraging signs with the bat.The three-day warm-up gave both teams important match practice, but Siraj’s extraordinary three-ball finish became the highlight of the contest.India will now turn their attention to the first Test against Sri Lanka, which begins in Galle on August 15.
