Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj's brilliant effort on the field was on display during the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, October 19. The Men in Blue posted a total of 136/9 in 26 overs, with constant interruptions caused by rain forcing multiple reductions in overs, and KL Rahul top-scored with 38 off 31 balls.

Defending the 137-run target, Team India got an early breakthrough as Arshdeep Singh got rid of Travis Head, who has been a threat to the Men in Blue's bowling attack, for just 8 runs at 10/1. Thereafter, skipper Mitchell Marsh steadied Australia's ship alongside a 34-run stand for the second wicket with Matthew Short before the latter was dismissed for 8 by Axar Patel at 44/2.

After Short's dismissal, Marsh was joined by Josh Philippe in the middle to carry on Australia's run chase. The pair frustrated the Indian bowlers with their 55-run partnership for the third wicket before Philippe was dismissed for 37 off 29 balls by Washington Sundar at 99/5.

Mohammed Siraj's Brilliant Fielding Effort

After Josh Philippe's dismissal, Matt Renshaw joined Mitchell Marsh at the crease to carry on Australia's run chase. However, what caught the attention of the spectators and fans was an exceptional fielding effort by Mohammed Siraj near the boundary line.

The incident occurred in the 18th over of Australia's run chase when Renshaw lofted the ball high towards long-off off Washington Sundar's delivery and seemingly going over the boundary for a six. However, Siraj sprinted towards the boundary, leaped, caught the ball just before it crossed the ropes, and threw it back into play, preventing a six.

The fielding effort was lauded by Washington Sundar and other Indian teammates on the field. The video of the same went viral on social media.

What an effort by Mohammed Siraj!!!Siraj always gives his 200% when he is on the field #INDvsAUS #AUSvIND #IndianCricket twitter/jtodrCJLBp

- Stumper (@TheStumpStory) October 19, 2025

You can never question #MohammedSiraj for intent and effort! #AUSvIND 1st ODI | LIVE NOW twitter/CKonDQ9gjd

- Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 19, 2025

Meanwhile, Team India lost by seven wickets in the series opener to Australia. Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw formed a crucial, unbeaten 32-run partnership to help Australia chase down the 131-run target in a rain-hit contest at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

For India, Arshdeep Singh (1/31), Axar Patel (1/19), and Washington Sundar (1/14) picked a wicket each, but not enough to stop Australia from reaching the target, as the visitors comfortably sealed the seven-wicket victory with 4.5 overs to spare.

Siraj's Jaw-Dropping Boundary Save Receives Praise

Though Team India lost the match in the series opener in Perth, Mohammed Siraj's brilliant fielding effort stood out as a highlight, earning praise from fans and cricket enthusiasts, and showcasing his athleticism and commitment on the field despite India's defeat.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), Indian cricket fans lauded Siraj's brilliant effort on the field while praising him for giving his all across all departments, especially bowling and fielding, and hailed it one of the best moments of the match, highlighting his dedication and match awareness even in a losing cause.

An incredible effort by Mohammed Siraj near the boundary to save 5 runs for India. #Cricket #Siraj #India #ODINE twitter/BVAllSSkxz

- Er Robin Alwar (@Robinalwar11) October 19, 2025

Mohammed Siraj leaves everything on the field pure passion and relentless effort every single ball. Respect to his never-say-die attitude.#AUSvIND #BleedBlue twitter/QH1IdGu0vq

- Arshit Yadav (@imArshit) October 19, 2025

Mohammed Siraj putting his body on the line to save 5 runs! That's the passion you play for the badge ❤️‍#Siraj #TeamIndia #NeverGiveUp #INDvAUS #FieldingHero twitter/9TPgwRrjve

- Video Memes (@MemesChennai) October 19, 2025

MOHAMMED SIRAJ!!!!! Dedication ❤️ twitter/wHeCezxvsX

- Mr. X (@TheMuskManWorld) October 19, 2025

An incredible effort by Mohammed Siraj near the boundary to save 5 runs for India twitter/5O8tFqL83b

- Rohit Singh (@RohitSi92742945) October 19, 2025

What a saved by Mohammed Siraj, he was a heroThat's not fielding, that's pure commitment in motion #INDvsAUS #ICCWomensWorldCup #WomensWorldCup2025 #Afghanistan twitter/6ohMZyX0hP

- Shiv (@shiv5550yad) October 19, 2025

What a Superman stuff by Mohammed Siraj Dream for Bumrah#INDvsAUS #AUSvsIND

- ms unhoni (@Damagedprouct) October 19, 2025

What an effort from Mohammed Siraj #Cricket #MohammedSiraj #AUSvIND twitter/zWpu3EFXVc

- CricketTimes (@CricketTimesHQ) October 19, 2025

,What amazing fielding has Mohammed Siraj done! #AUSvIND twitter/ZO6V9H65Jm

- Musharaf45 (@Mushara78386844) October 19, 2025

Team India will look to bounce back from the defeat when they take on the hosts and world champions Australia in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23.

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