The Asia Cup is frequently regarded as one of the most prestigious cricket rivalries in India. The cricketing tournament between the best cricketing nations is sparked by spectacular strokeplay, breathtaking dismissals, and exciting rivalries. The inaugural Asia Cup innings was held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Although India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan were the only three significant nations to compete in the inaugural Asia Cup, Afghanistan and Bangladesh were later added to the league as arch-rivals in 1986 and 2014, respectively. The Asia Cup Tournament has witnessed significant changes, and countless spellbound cricket moments, and evolved to unmatched degrees over the years. Since the Asia Cup’s inception, the thrilling rivalry between India and Pakistan has always been the main attraction. The Asia Cup Tournament, which has a very rich and passionate history, has also witnessed some magnificent records being achieved on the cricket pitch by many renowned players.
S.No | Player | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s |
1 | ST Jayasuriya (SL) | 1990-2008 | 25 | 24 | 1 | 1220 | 130 | 53.04 | 6 |
2 | V Kohli (IND) | 2010-2023 | 16 | 13 | 1 | 742 | 183 | 61.83 | 4 |
3 | KC Sangakkara (SL) | 2004-2014 | 24 | 23 | 1 | 1075 | 121 | 48.86 | 4 |
4 | Shoaib Malik (PAK) | 2000-2018 | 17 | 15 | 3 | 786 | 143 | 65.50 | 3 |
5 | HDRL Thirimanne (SL) | 2012-2014 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 363 | 102 | 45.37 | 2 |
Sanath Teran Jayasuriya (Sri-Lanka)
Sanath Teran Jayasuriya has outperformed as an unstoppable force with his batting prowess and has conquered the Asia Cup Tournament. With his reckless batting approach, Sri Lanka’s explosive all-rounder Jayasuriya has permanently altered the history of the Asia Cup. In addition to his accuracy with the bat, Jayasuriya is a dependable choice for Sri Lanka because of his flawless pace and spin deliveries. Sanath Jayasuriya has represented Sri Lanka in a total of 25 Asia Cup matches and has managed to smash the highest runs aggregate of 1,220* runs. With a total of 6 quickfire centuries, Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for smashing the highest number of centuries in the history of the Asia Cup.
Virat Kohli (India)
The modern-day cricket prodigy of India, Virat Kohli has led India at the Asia Cup tournament with his exemplary match-winning batting performances. Kohli led India to the Asia Cup victory in the 2018 edition, with his phenomenal knock and dynamic leadership skills. Smashing a daunting total of 742* runs in the 16 Asia Cup matches that he has played, Virat Kohli has truly outshined as a dominating Asian cricketing icon. Delivering numerous swashbuckling performances in the Asia Cup, Kohli has scored a total of 4 centuries under his name, cementing his place as a batsman with the second-highest number of centuries in the history of the Asia Cup.
Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara (Sri-Lanka)
One of Sri Lanka’s most seasoned cricketers, Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara has significantly improved Sri Lanka’s performance in the Asia Cup. With his deft strokes and incredible wicket-keeping skills, Sangakkara has assisted the Sri Lankan team in winning several games in the Asia Cup throughout the years. In the annals of the Asia Cup, Sangakkara’s unflinching innings against India and Pakistan will always be remembered as one of the tournament’s most memorable and iconic moments. Sangakkara has represented Sri Lanka in a total of 24 Asia Cup matches and has smashed a total of 4 centuries, solidifying his place as a batsman with the third-highest number of centuries in the history of the Asia Cup.
Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)
A veteran cricketer from Pakistan and a cricket pundit, Shoaib Malik had a cricketing career for almost two decades. The run-scoring machine of Pakistan, Shoaib Malik truly elevated Pakistan’s game at the Asia Cup and acted as a huge stabilizing force in Pakistan’s national cricket team. Shoaib Malik’s swashbuckling innings and impeccable off-spin deliveries provided a breakthrough to Pakistan’s national cricket team in crucial times. Shoaib Malik has appeared in a total of 17 Asia Cup matches and has smashed a total of 3 centuries, cementing his place as a batsman with the fourth-highest number of centuries in the history of the Asia Cup.
Hettige Don Rumesh Lahiru Thirimanne (Sri-Lanka)
The former Sri Lankan international cricketer and a former ODI Captain, Hettige Don Rumesh Lahiru Thirimanne impeccably led Sri Lanka’s national cricket team to a formidable victory during the 2014 Asia Cup. Under Lahiru’s leadership, the Lanka’s national cricket team also clinched a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games at Incheon. Hettige Don Rumesh Lahiru Thirimanne appeared in a total of 8 Asia Cup matches and scored a total of 363* runs. Additionally, Lahiru smashed 2 centuries, solidifying his place as a batsman with the fifth-highest number of centuries in the history of the Asia Cup.