Mohammed Siraj Creates History: First Indian Bowler to Claim Four Wickets in One Over of Men’s ODIs
Mohammed Siraj made history by becoming the first Indian bowler to take four wickets in a single over of men’s ODIs during the 2023 Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka.
In a historic moment, India’s fast-bowler, Mohammed Siraj, shattered multiple records by becoming the first Indian bowler to claim four wickets in a single over in men’s ODIs. This remarkable feat occurred during the 2023 Asia Cup final at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.
While spin was expected to dominate the match, Siraj showcased his skills with swing and clever use of the crease to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting order.
It all began in Mohammed Siraj‘s second over when he bowled an outswinger on the first ball, resulting in Pathum Nissanka’s dismissal as he could only manage a drive to backward point, where a fielder moved swiftly to complete the catch. A dot ball later, Siraj struck Sadeera Samawickrama lbw with a sharp nip-backer, trapping the batsman in front of the stumps.
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On the very next ball, Charith Asalanka chipped the delivery straight to cover point. Dhananjaya de Silva, however, survived the hat-trick ball by managing a four with a punch past mid-on. But Siraj had the last word, as de Silva edged behind on the following delivery, providing a faint edge for the wicketkeeper.
Siraj continued his dominance by claiming his fifth wicket, using late movement off a fuller delivery to dismantle Dasun Shanaka’s off-stump.
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In achieving this remarkable feat, Siraj joined the elite company of Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka (against Bangladesh in 2003), Pakistan’s Mohammad Sami (against New Zealand in 2003), and England’s Adil Rashid (against West Indies in 2019), all of whom have taken four wickets in an over in men’s ODIs since 2002. Notably, Siraj is the first Indian to achieve this feat.
Siraj’s incredible performance also saw him complete his five-wicket haul in just 16 balls, matching the record for the quickest to reach this milestone, alongside Chaminda Vaas and USA’s Ali Khan. Furthermore, Siraj now holds the record for the most wickets in the first 10 overs for India in an ODI since 2002.
In his 29th ODI appearance, Siraj reached his 50th wicket milestone in just 1002 balls, making him the second-quickest bowler to achieve this feat in the history of ODIs, trailing only behind Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis (847 balls). Among all Indian bowlers, Siraj ranks as the joint-fourth-quickest to reach this milestone.
To cap off his exceptional performance, Siraj secured his sixth wicket by getting a delivery to nip back in from outside off and clean bowl Kusal Mendis. This achievement gave Siraj the record for the best bowling figures by a pace bowler in the history of the Asia Cup, surpassing Pakistan’s Aaqib Javed, who had taken 5/19 against India at Sharjah in 1995.