India defeated West Indies by three runs to win the first ODI of the ongoing series. Although India looked favorites after the first innings, the hosts did well to take the game to the last over. Eventually, it was Mohammed Siraj‘s brilliant final over that gave India the victory.
Mohammed Siraj’s brilliant final over
India had set up a stiff target of 309 for the West Indies. Considering the recent form of West Indies in the ODI format, this was a tough ask for them. India had a decent bowling line-up and therefore, it felt like a matter of time. However, the proceedings transpired differently. The likes of Kyle Mayers and Brandon King played well to give West Indies a chance. The India pacers, too, were not good in patches. Coming to the last over, the equation was down to 15 runs for the hosts to win the match. At the crease, they had the in-form Romario Shepherd and Akeal Hosein, who could have got the big hits.
However, Mohammed Siraj was at his consistent best in the final over. He bowled yorker after yorker and the opposition batters could not get under it. Siraj was under pressure and it was seen when he strayed in his line a couple of times. Nevertheless, he held his nerve. Sanju Samson, too, chipped in with remarkable work behind the stumps. It was a thrilling finish and here is a look at the video of the same:
Siraj's last over.
Thriller pic.twitter.com/C0aRfwWB5F
— Ratnadeep (@_ratna_deep) July 23, 2022
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A vital game for the Hyderabad pacer
Mohammed Siraj did not have a great outing in IPL 2022. He was dropped from the T20I setup and many predicted that he won’t be considered for the ODIs, as well. However, he was selected for the ODI series against England and West Indies.
Siraj has to face a lot of competition to get a spot in the Indian ODI Team. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami certain to take the new ball, Siraj has to showcase his abilities at the death to find a place. He did that against West Indies. Therefore, it is an important match in the context of his ODI career.
