It’s like a dream, says Siraj

India kept their best reserved, or, Sri Lanka their worst, for Sunday's one-sided final of the Asia Cup, a tournament played as a prelude to the World Cup in India next month.

With the game lasting a total of 129 deliveries, the third-shortest in terms of balls bowled in ODIs, the Rohit Sharma-led side not only portrayed their ruthlessness but also sent a warning to nine other nations who would be travelling to their home for the World Cup in less than a month's time.

The destroyer in chief yesterday was Mohammad Siraj, only the fourth bowler to take four wickets in an over in ODIs.

After breaking the backbone of the Lankan batting lineup with the wickets of Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva in the fourth over to have the co-hosts reeling at 12 for five in Colombo, Siraj went on to finish with career-best figures of six for 21 in seven overs, including a maiden.

"It's like a dream," Siraj said during the innings break.

"I got four early wickets last time I played Sri Lanka (earlier this year) but unfortunately I could not register a five-wicket haul.

"I realised you get whatever is in your destiny. I just tried to bowl my line and length, and wickets kept coming.

"The ball did not swing much in the early matches here but today it swung a lot. My effort was to draw the batters forward and make them play the ball," Siraj added.

Siraj also credited his pace-bowling partners Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who accounted for one and three wickets, respectively.

"I was missing the edges earlier but found them today. The wicket was seaming earlier, but there was swing today. When there's good bonding between fast bowlers, it's helpful for the team," Siraj said.

Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood bemoaned his team's "below-par" performance with the bat, probably hinting at making some adjustments when they announce the 15 for the World Cup. Sri Lanka played the tournament without four of their regular starters.

"The way we got dismissed is very disappointing. I think there's a lot of reflection to be done in the dressing room. I think we need to sleep on this and make some decisions tomorrow, best to assess this in the morning and discuss with the other coaching staff as well.," he said.