Siraj's Hat-Trick of Sixes Seals Practice Match Win for India
The pacer smashed three consecutive maximums off the final over to chase down 16 runs and delight the dressing room.
India wrapped up their three-day warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka XI with a six-wicket victory, but the afternoon belonged to Mohammed Siraj's unexpected batting heroics. With 16 runs needed from the last over, the right-arm seamer walked in with a point to prove and delivered in spectacular fashion, clubbing three straight sixes to finish the match with three balls remaining.
Siraj, who batted at number six, made 27 off just 12 deliveries, including a maximum in the penultimate over as well. His innings was part of a deliberate plan by the team management to give lower-order batters time in the middle, and Siraj seized the moment with remarkable ease. The dressing room erupted in cheers as the bowler turned finisher, while head coach Gautam Gambhir watched from the balcony with a broad smile.
The Sri Lankan players were left amused and bewildered, even inspecting Siraj's bat after the assault. But for the 32-year-old, it was a statement that he is ready to contribute higher up the order if needed. India's warm-up game ended on a high, with Siraj stealing the spotlight in a role few expected from him.