IND vs SL: Mohammed Siraj's thunderbolt sends Kusal Mendis packing

The Sri Lankan bowlers were tonked to all parts of the ground after Rohit Sharma's India posted a mammoth 373 runs on the board in the first innings of the ODI series opener in Guwahati. Following a dominating performance by the batters, star Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj did the damage with the new ball after making a mess of Kusal Mendis' stumps to scalp his second wicket of the match.

A full-house Barsapara Cricket Stadium was treated to a masterclass in batting by the Indian team that included a record-setting 45th ODI century from the former Indian skipper Virat Kohli. However, the crowd erupted in the second innings when fast bowling sensation Mohammed Siraj cleaned up Sri Lankan batting ace Kusal Mendis with an absolute corker. The batter had no answers to Siraj's thunderbolt and was dismissed for a four-ball duck.

A sensational⚡️delivery from @mdsirajofficial as Kusal Mendis goes for a duck.

Siraj picks up his second wicket.

Live - https://t.co/262rcUdafb #INDvSL @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/56KTxvp57u

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2023

Siraj's menacing opening spell sets the tone for India 

It was Siraj's second wicket of the match, as he had previously dismissed Sri Lankan opener Avishka Fernando to break the deadlock for India in the second innings. The 28-year-old has been leading the lines in ODIs for the Men in Blue in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, doing exceptionally well for the Asian outfit.

He had a terrific 2022 in the 50-over format, scalping 24 wickets in just 15 outings at an economy rate less than five. His opening spell yielded just 15 runs, producing two wickets for Rohit's side. He is one of the frontrunners to cement his spot for the ODI World Cup in India later this year, and performances like these will only bolster his chances.

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