Asia Cup Final 2023: What Happened In The Most One-Sided Finale Ever?

With the Asia Cup 2025 all set to begin, memories of the last edition in 2023 remain fresh in fans’ minds especially the dramatic final in Colombo, which turned out to be one of the most one-sided contests in the history of the tournament. India thrashed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets, sealing the trophy in ruthless fashion and leaving the home crowd stunned.

Asia Cup Final 2023 : Siraj Turns Into a Wrecking Ball

The final on September 17, 2023, will forever be remembered as the “Mohammed Siraj show.” After Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first, Siraj produced a spell for the ages. With the new ball in hand, he dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup in a matter of minutes.

His fiery swing and impeccable accuracy reduced the hosts to rubble. Siraj took 6 wickets for just 21 runs in 7 overs, including four wickets in a single over. This was not just another spell; it was one of the most destructive bowling performances in an ODI final.

He was well supported by Hardik Pandya, who picked up three wickets, and Jasprit Bumrah, who struck the first blow with a peach of a delivery. In the end, Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 50 runs in 15.2 overs, their lowest-ever ODI total against India.

Asia Cup Final 2023: Indian Openers Seal It in 6.1 Overs

The chase was as ruthless as the bowling. India needed just 51 runs, and openers Shubman Gill (27 off 19)* and Ishan Kishan (23 off 18)* wasted no time in putting the contest to bed. With boundaries flowing freely, the pair wrapped up the chase in 6.1 overs, giving India a massive win with 263 balls to spare.

It was one of the biggest margins of victory in ODI history and the shortest-ever final chase in the Asia Cup.

Awards and Recognition

• Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj, for his incredible 6/21 spell.
• Player of the Series: Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed nine wickets across the tournament and was India’s consistent weapon with the ball.

Sri Lanka Left Searching for Answers

For Sri Lanka, the final was nothing short of a nightmare. Despite a strong run in the tournament, their batting lineup collapsed under pressure. Only Kusal Mendis and Dushan Hemantha managed to reach double digits, but the total of 50 was never going to challenge India.

The result highlighted the gulf between the two teams on the day, with Sri Lanka left searching for answers to one of their most humiliating defeats in recent memory.

A Final to Remember For All the Wrong Reasons

The Asia Cup Final 2023 will go down in history not for a nail-biting contest, but for its sheer dominance. India were clinical, ruthless, and unstoppable, while Sri Lanka crumbled on the big stage. Siraj’s spell ensured that fans will remember this as perhaps the most one-sided finale in Asia Cup history.