Mohammad Siraj is known for his fiery spells with the ball, but ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, the fast bowler showed a totally different aspect of his game. Siraj shocked fans and teammates alike (and even opposition players) in the three-day practice match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo and helped India achieve a thrilling victory.
The practice game was organised as part of India’s preparations for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting on August 15. Top-order batters and bowlers took the match to show off their ability, but Siraj was the star attraction with the bat.
Chasing 207 runs in 45 overs of the second innings, India seemed to be under pressure in the closing stages of the match. With only eight deliveries left, the visitors needed 27 runs to complete the chase. The situation was difficult, and Sri Lanka XI seemed to have one hand on the game. But Siraj had other plans.
Hyderabad-born Siraj came in at No. 9 and made a spectacular charge at Sri Lankan bowlers. In a sequence of shots, Siraj hit 6, 1, 6, 6, 6 and 4 and completely changed the course of the match. His fearless approach left the opposition stunned and excited the Indian camp. As if a chase appeared to be hopelessly long, the Indian team could not have been more unstoppable when it came to India.
DSP GOES 6️⃣ 6️⃣ 6️⃣! 🔥
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 9, 2026
Mohammed Siraj signs off the warm-up game with three sixes on the trot! 💥 #SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #BeautifulGameofTestCricket pic.twitter.com/poApnwLVwu
Siraj remained unbeaten on 32 runs from 15 deliveries in a match which included four towering sixes and one boundary. His explosive knock was the reason behind India’s six-wicket victory and was a major talking point ahead of the Test series. Siraj’s main role in the team is to be the fast bowler, but his late-order heroics showed that he can contribute with the bat as well.
The excitement did not end with the final run. After the match, the players of both teams gathered for the customary handshakes. It was then that Siraj became once again the centre of attention. In this sense, some Sri Lankan fielders were surprised and impressed by his exceptional batting ability; they playfully approached him and looked at his bat.
Sri Lankan players joked about the bat as if it had some special power. They looked at it from a different angle and made fun of Siraj for the great shots he played. Siraj smiled and accepted the bat, and his teammates had a good laugh. The funny thing was spreading very quickly on social media, and photos and videos of the incident were sent around to cricket fans.
Sri Lankan players checking Mohammed Siraj’s bat after his 3 sixes 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/mifkQHUQZc
— MSDian™ (@Kushal_MSD) August 9, 2026
The viral moment has added a fun aspect to India’s preparations for the Test series. Fans online praised Siraj not only for his match-winning innings but also for his cheerful interaction with the Sri Lankan players. Many cricket fans said the incident was a perfect example of the camaraderie and sportsmanship that exists between international teams.
India and Sri Lanka will now turn their focus to the upcoming Test series. The first Test will be played at Galle International Stadium on 15th August, and the second and final Test will be held at SSC Ground in Colombo on 23rd August. With Team India ready for the challenge, Siraj’s remarkable innings has certainly helped the camp feel confident and provided the people, in many senses, a glimpse of his talent.
If his performance in the practice match is any indication, Mohammed Siraj could have more surprises in store for the series ahead.
