There is no shortage of talented cricketers in Asia, and the Asia Cup records are proof of that. Asian players have not only dominated in Asian conditions but also developed their game to match the challenging conditions in SENA countries.
The Asia Cup is the most prestigious trophy in Asia, and in its 16 editions, many records have been set and broken. In recent years, the Asia Cup has become even more competitive, as teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan have improved their game.
Team Asia Cup Records
Teams look forward to the Asia Cup, allowing them to show their talent on a big stage. The following is the Asia Cup records list for the teams involved:
The Pakistan team holds the record for the highest team total in the Asia Cup, scoring 385/7 in a match against Bangladesh in 2010. Shahid Afridi destroyed Bangladesh’s bowling attack, scoring 124 runs in just 60 balls. Pakistan won the match comfortably, securing a 139-run win. Shahid Afridi was named player of the match for his 124 runs and one wicket.
Hong Kong holds the record for the lowest total by a team in the Asia Cup. This embarrassing innings unfolded when Hong Kong played Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2022. Batting first, Pakistan scored 193 runs in the allocated 20 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan scoring an unbeaten 78 runs. In reply, Hong Kong was bundled out for just 38 runs, as Shadab Khan picked up four wickets. Mohammad Rizwan, for his unbeaten knock of 78 runs, was named the player of the match.
India, a proud cricketing nation, holds the record of winning the Asia Cup the most times, having done it eight times so far. India won the Asia Cup in 2023, 2018, 2016, 2010, 1995, 1990-91, 1988, and 1984.
The Indian team always enters the Asia Cup as a strong favorite, and when it fails to make it to the final, it comes as a big surprise to cricket fans around the world.
Individual Asia Cup Records
The following are some of the most popular Asia Cup individual records:
1. Highest Run Getter
Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s destructive opener, is the leading run scorer in the Asia Cup. He has played in the Asia Cup from 1990 to 2008, scoring 1220 runs in 25 matches. Sanath Jayasuriya could put immense pressure on bowlers, hitting them out of the park at will.
In the Asia Cup, Sanath Jayasuriya batted with an exceptional 53.04 average and a destructive 102.52 strike rate. His highest score in the Asia Cup is 130 and has hit 23 sixes and 139 fours, showing how dangerous he can be once he gets started.
2. Highest Wicket Taker
Muttiah Muralitharan, with 30 wickets, holds the record for most wickets taken in the Asia Cup. This genius from Sri Lanka bamboozled batters with his sharp-spinning off-spins and doosra that went the other way.
Muttiah Muralitharan was part of the Sri Lankan team in the Asia Cup from 1995 to 2010, where he played 24 matches, picking up wickets at an impressive 28.83 average and conceding runs at just 3.75 economy. In the Asia Cup, Muttiah Muralitharan has one 5-wicket haul, with 5/31 being his best bowling figures.
3. Highest Score
When it comes to Asia Cup batting records, Virat Kohli leads the charts on most of them, one of them being the highest individual score. With a blistering knock of 183 runs against Pakistan in 2012, Virat Kohli smashed the record for the highest individual score in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan batted first in this match and posted 329 runs on the board, with both the openers going on to score centuries. India lost the first wicket on zero, and then walked Kohli to the crease and stamped his authority on the match. Virat Kohli’s 183 helped team India secure a 6-wicket win, and he was also named player of the match for his mammoth effort.
4. Best Bowling Figures
Ajantha Mendis, the mystery spinner from Sri Lanka, came as a nightmare for the Indian cricket fans, as he picked up six wickets in the 2008 Asia Cup final.
Sri Lanka batted first and posted 273 runs on the board, as Sanath Jayasuriya scored a brilliant century. In reply, the Indian team got off to a flying start, with Virender Sehwag scoring 60 runs in just 36 balls.
An absolute mayhem from the Sri Lankan mystery spinner, Ajantha Mendis, followed. He went on to pick up six wickets while conceding only 13 runs. From 76/1, the Indian team was bowled out for just 173 runs after the introduction of Ajantha Mendis. For his six wickets, Ajantha Mendis was named the player of the match.
Final Thoughts on Asia Cup Records
With talented players playing in the Asia Cup, many Asia Cup records will be made and broken in the future. India has continued its dominance in the Asia Cup, but teams like Sri Lanka are coming closer to winning the most Asia Cup tournaments. With the rise of Afghanistan and Bangladesh cricket teams, expect the Asia Cup to be more competitive, especially if played in the T20 format.
FAQs on Asia Cup Records
What is the highest team total in the Asia Cup?
Pakistan holds the record for the highest total in the Asia Cup when the team scored 385 runs against Bangladesh in 2010.
What is the highest individual score in the Asia Cup?
Virat Kohli smashed 183 runs against Pakistan in 2012, which stands as the highest individual score in the Asia Cup.
Which batter holds the record for most centuries in the Asia Cup?
With six centuries, Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for most centuries in the Asia Cup.
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