Discover the top 5 bowlers who delivered exceptional performances in Asia Cup history, leaving a lasting impact on cricket fans! The Asia Cup started in 1984 and has seen some amazing bowling performances over the years. Only twice, in 2016 and 2022, the tournament was played in a shorter format because of the World Cup being held those years. India has won the Asia Cup 7 times, Sri Lanka 5 times, and Pakistan 2 times. Currently, India, led by Rohit Sharma, are the defending champions of the 50-over format, winning the title in 2018.
In this edition, India, Pakistan, and Nepal are placed in one group, while Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are in the other group. Over the years, there have been many memorable bowling spells that changed the outcome of matches. Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most wickets in Asia Cup history, with 30 wickets in 24 matches (24 innings) at an impressive economy rate of 3.75 runs per over.
Here are the 5 best bowling performances in Asia Cup history.
5. Aaqib Javed (5/19) in 1995
Pakistani fast bowler Aaqib Javed has the second-best bowling record in Asia Cup history. He took 5 wickets for just 19 runs in 9 overs against India at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on April 7, 1995.
While defending 267 runs, Aaqib struck early by dismissing Manoj Prabhakar in the first over. He went on to take the wickets of Sachin Tendulkar, Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin, Vinod Kambli, and Javagal Srinath.
4. Arshad Ayub (5/21) in 1988
The Indian spinner delivered an excellent performance in the Asia Cup. He took 5 wickets for just 21 runs against Pakistan in Dhaka on October 31, 1988. He dismissed key players like Ramiz Raja, Aamer Malik, Shoaib Mohammed, Naved Anjum, and Wasim Akram, helping bowl Pakistan out for just 142 runs.
India won the match by 4 wickets with 56 balls to spare. Arshad Ayub was named Player of the Match for his brilliant spell of 5 wickets for 21 runs in 9 overs, with an economy rate of 2.33 runs per over.
3. Muttiah Muralitharan (5/31) in 2008
Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan delivered the 5th best bowling performance in Asia Cup history. He took 5 wickets for 31 runs against Bangladesh at the National Stadium in Karachi on June 30, 2008. The match was part of the Super Four stage.
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Defending a huge total of 333, Muralitharan dismissed Raqibul Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Alok Kapali. Later, he removed Abdur Razzak and finished by taking the wicket of Mashrafe Mortaza. His brilliant bowling helped Sri Lanka bowl out Bangladesh for just 174 runs. He bowled 10 overs with an excellent economy rate of 3.1 runs per over. Muralitharan’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
2. Ajantha Mendis (6/13) in 2008
Ajantha Mendis delivered one of the best bowling performances in Asia Cup history during the 2008 final against India. The match was held on 6th July at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Mendis was brought into the attack and used his clever variations to trouble the Indian batters. He started India’s collapse by taking the wickets of Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, and RP Singh, bowling India out for just 173 runs. Mendis finished with incredible figures of 6 wickets for 13 runs in 8 overs, with an economy rate of 1.62 runs per over. His brilliant spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
Earlier in the same tournament, Mendis also shone with 5 wickets for 22 runs against the United Arab Emirates on 26th June at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
1. Lasith Malinga (5/34) in 2010
Former Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga delivered one of the best bowling performances in Asia Cup history. He took 5 wickets for 34 runs against Pakistan in the opening match at the Rangiri International Stadium, Dambulla, on June 15, 2010.
Sri Lanka was defending a target of 243 runs, and Malinga started strong by dismissing Salman Butt for a duck. He then removed Umar Amin, adding pressure to Pakistan’s batting lineup. Later, he returned to the attack and dismissed Mohammad Aamir, Shoaib Akhtar, and Mohammad Asif, helping Sri Lanka bowl Pakistan out for 226 runs in 47 overs, securing a 16-run victory.
Malinga’s brilliant spell included deadly yorkers that disrupted the batting order. He finished with impressive figures of 5 for 34 in his 10 overs. However, despite his performance, Shahid Afridi was named the Man of the Match.
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