The men in blue can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After 5 long years, the jinx finally breaks as Rohit Sharma lifts the Asia Cup 2023. India got their coveted title and lifted the Asia Cup for a record 8th time. In a very short final, the Men in Blue completely dismantled Sri Lanka courtesy of Mohammed Siraj and then won the game with 10 wickets to spare.
Arguably one of the greatest teams in International cricket, India has been pretty shy in winning the big trophies. Though the Men in Blue came close on many occasions, India had to wait for 5 long years to lift the Asia Cup. India last won the Asia Cup back in 2018 when they defeated Bangladesh.
As far as ICC trophies go, the wait still remains. India last lifted the World Cup back in 2011 and then lifted the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 in England. With the ICC World Cup just a couple of weeks away, Rohit Sharma and Co will now target for the World Title as the ICC trophies has shied away for almost a decade.
Okay, Alexa, Play Mohammed Siraj: Unplayable, fans rejoice super-show by Miya bhai
Champions of Asia, and they did it in style. Tasked to bowl first after losing the toss, the Men in Blue came out hard against Sri Lanka. Jasprit Bumrah scalped the first wicket and then it was all a one-man show. On came Mohammed Siraj and he destroyed the opposition. Siraj bagged 6 wickets while Hardik scalped the remaining 2 wickets to end Lankan misery for just 50 runs.
Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan took less than 7 overs to seal the deal as India celebrated their 7th ODI Asia Cup win and 8th overall Asia Cup victory. But this might not be the end, with such a major boost ahead of the World Cup, Rohit Sharma and Co will be jumping for the World Title which will be hosted on home soil.