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The Asia Cup 2023 final between India and Sri Lanka has now etched itself in cricketing history as one of the shortest completed men’s ODIs, but it’s notoriety extends beyond just brevity, with reports emerging that suggest the match might have been fixed. Allegations of the BCCI paying Sri Lanka for deliberately losing have cast a dark shadow over the proceedings, leading fans to term it as the worst-ever Asia Cup.
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India asserted their dominance right from the outset. Powered by Mohammad Siraj’s remarkable figures of 6 for 21, Sri Lanka found themselves bundled out for an astonishingly low total of 50 runs.
The Indian bowling unit displayed exceptional prowess on the day, capitalizing on the overcast conditions to make the cricket ball dance to their tune. However, the Sri Lankan top and middle order faltered, failing to exhibit the necessary acumen to navigate the overs and assemble a more formidable total for their visitors.
In a brisk fashion, the Men in Blue successfully chased down the target in just 6.1 overs, with the duo of Ishan Kishan (23) and Shubman Gill (27) forming an unbroken partnership worth 51 runs. This thrilling encounter concluded in a mere 129 balls, marking it as the third shortest completed men’s ODI in history.
At the pinnacle of this list remains the clash between Nepal and the United States of America in 2020, culminating in a mere 104 balls bowled. Meanwhile, the game between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in 2001 stands at 120 balls, securing the second spot.
Notably, this final also holds the distinction of being the shortest in terms of balls bowled in the history of ODI cricket, surpassing all previous records.
Shortest ODI final (by balls bowled):
- 129 – SL vs IND, 2023, Colombo
- 240 – ENG vs IND, 2003, Birmingham
- 281 – NZ vs PAK, 1990, Sharjah
- 281 – BAN vs WI, 2019, Dublin
- 292 – SL vs IND, 1994, Colombo
However, amidst the remarkable brevity of the match, allegations of match-fixing have emerged. Reports suggest that the BCCI may have paid Sri Lanka to deliberately lose the match, casting a shadow over the authenticity of the outcome. In the eyes of disillusioned fans, this has transformed what was expected to be a cricketing spectacle into the worst-ever Asia Cup, marred by controversy and suspicion.
Sri Lanka’s meager total of 50 also carved its name into the record books as the lowest first innings total in an ODI final. Remarkably, Sri Lanka had held the previous record with a total of 98 for the loss of nine wickets.
Lowest first innings score in an ODI final:
- 50 – SL vs IND, 2023, Colombo
- 98/9 – SL vs IND, 1994, Colombo
- 107 – SA vs ENG, 2003, Lords
- 114 – PAK vs SA, 1998, Cape Town
- 114 – WI vs PAK, 2000, PoSpain
This historic final left an indelible mark on cricketing history, with records shattered and an unforgettable spectacle witnessed in the heart of Colombo. Yet, the lingering cloud of match-fixing allegations threatens to tarnish the sport’s integrity and legacy.
Was Asia Cup 2023 final fixed?
#Fixed top trending on X (twitter) after Sri Lankan team all out on just 50 runs pic.twitter.com/Bc1MF78E9L
— Hamayoun Qureshi (@HamayounBhai) September 17, 2023
BCCI to Srilanka players????????
#AsiaCup2023final #INDvsSL #fixed pic.twitter.com/rWizT7tNu3— Mian Shahroz ???????? (@Mian_Shahroz21) September 17, 2023
اللہ تعالی کا انصاف دیکھیں، اپنے فائدے کے لیے ،
سری لنکا نے جو گڑا کھودا تھا اس میں وہ خود ہی گر گئے، اس نے بھی انڈیا کے ساتھ مل کر پاکستان انے سے انکار کر دیا تھا۔ جبکہ ایشیا کپ پاکستان کا تھا، اپنے ملک میں ہی اتنی ذلت کما لی ہے#INDvSL#fixed
Wasim Akram"Well Paid India" pic.twitter.com/PUkTP8GizY
— ♚ℂℋ ᎯⅅℕᎯℕ ❀ (@1adann) September 17, 2023
https://twitter.com/Markhor_ispr/status/1703403640197673123?s=20
Seriously! Ye kyaa tha ????
India won Asia cup 2023 #Fixed #INDvSL | #AsianCup2023 pic.twitter.com/aeeMXyXSOa— Sameer ✨ (@professor260) September 17, 2023
After reading @IrfanPathan tweet i realized i have made a mistake. I want to write
"Well Paid India" #fixed#INDvsSL #kohli #CricketWorldCup2023 https://t.co/A6GotZfKa4— Hammad (@Hammad91635448) September 17, 2023
Also, see:
Indian cricket team is now on WhatsApp
