Mohammed Siraj launches three consecutive sixes to seal warm-up win over Sri Lanka XI
Mohammed Siraj smashed three successive sixes in the final over to complete India’s chase of Sri Lanka XI and secure a warm-up victory with three balls to spare on August 9, 2026.
Siraj, referred to by some reports as "Sir Vivian Siraj," walked out for the final over of the practice match; one account said India needed 10 runs at that point while a live update noted INDIA NEEDED 16 RUNS IN THE FINAL OVER. The match was a warm-up/practice game in which both teams completed their allotted 45 overs, and Siraj’s late cameo followed Gurnoor Brar’s four sixes in the final over on the previous day.
Nuwantha bowled the first delivery of the over too full and inside Siraj’s hitting arc; Siraj cleared his front leg and drove the ball high over deep midwicket for a maximum. The second ball was again too full outside off and Siraj went down the ground, sending that delivery over the boundary for another six and leaving India needing four. On the third ball, the bowler delivered into Siraj’s hitting zone and the pacer swung away over midwicket for his third consecutive six to finish the chase.
A social post captured the moment, stating: "DSP Siraj on strike and he smashed 6, 6, 6 to win it for India in the practice match!Absolute madness from DSP Siraj." India completed the chase with three deliveries still remaining from their allotted 45 overs, prompting celebrations in the Indian camp.
On the next delivery Nuwantha went short and Siraj appeared to be asking for a no-ball as he sought to continue his late hitting, contributing to the light-hearted atmosphere as players prepared to shake hands and end the practice game. India officially secured victory and then added bonus runs to complete the quota of overs for the day.
There were other positives for both sides: Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal impressed with the bat and Rishabh Pant showed signs of finding his rhythm for India, while Nishan Madushka produced fifties in both innings for Sri Lanka XI. Siraj’s three sixes provided the final twist to the warm-up contest and gave the Indian camp plenty to smile about.
With the series ahead, the practice match served as preparation for both teams, and Siraj’s late burst supplied an unexpected flourish to India’s warm-up victory.
