Rohit Sharma will look to replicate his from 2018 (Twitter)
Cricket, which binds nations in Asia finds its peak of regional rivalry in the high-voltage Asia Cup. As the drums of the Asia Cup 2023 begin to roll, setting the stage for another carnival of cricketing brilliance, it is only fitting to take a walk down memory lane and celebrate the heroes of the 2018 Asia Cup.
Highest run-getters in Asia Cup 2018
The 2018 edition of the tournament saw bat dominate ball and run-fests became the order of the day. While India clinched the trophy, personal accolades were scattered across teams which highlights the abundance of talent in the continent.
Here’s a look at the batters with the most runs in Asia Cup 2018
1. Shikhar Dhawan (342 runs)
Shikhar Dhawan, famously known as the 'Gabbar' of Indian cricket, has been known for his aggressive yet stylish brand of cricket. In Asia Cup 2018, Dhawan's bat spoke louder than words as he scored 342 runs, making him the top run-scorer.
Shikhar Dhawan (Twitter)
With an impressive average of 68.40 and a strike rate touching slightly over 100, Dhawan showcased his brilliance at the top order. His two centuries in the tournament bore testimony to his form and dominance. However, cricket, with its ups and downs, sees him out of the Indian squad for the 2023 edition and it will be young Shubman Gill who will partner captain Rohit Sharma at the top.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 342 | 68.40 | 102.08 | 0 | 2 |
2. Rohit Sharma (317 runs)
Elegance combined with power, Rohit's batting has always been a treat for cricket purists and Asia Cup 2018 was no different. Captaincy seems to bring out the best in him as he not only steered India to a title win but also racked up 317 runs at a mind-boggling average of 105.66.
Rohit Sharma (Twitter)
His solitary century and two fifties underlined his significance at the top of the order. As he gears up to lead the Indian side once again in 2023, fans and experts alike will have high expectations from the seasoned campaigner.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 317 | 105.66 | 93.51 | 2 | 1 |
3. Mushfiqur Rahim (302 runs)
Mushfiqur Rahim has been the backbone of his team's batting lineup for years. The diminutive wicketkeeper-batsman’s technical proficiency and calm demeanour came to the fore in the 2018 Asia Cup when he notched 302 runs at an average of 60.40.
Mushfiqur Rahim (Twitter)
His century and a fifty in the tournament reiterated his class and the ability to rise to the occasion. As he gears up for Asia Cup 2023, Bangladesh will be banking on his experience and form to guide them deep into the tournament.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 302 | 60.40 | 81.18 | 1 | 1 |
4. Mohammad Shahzad (268 runs)
A swashbuckling opener with a fearless approach, Mohammad Shahzad has been a significant figure in Afghan cricket. In Asia Cup 2018, he entertained the audience with his dynamic style, scoring 268 runs. His strike rate of 83.22 might seem modest, but given the conditions and pressure, Shahzad's contributions were invaluable.
Mohammad Shahzad (Twitter)
His century and fifty were instrumental in giving Afghanistan those brisk starts. It's indeed a pity that fans won't be witnessing his fireworks in Asia Cup 2023. But an equally exciting prospect in the form of Rahmanullah Gurbaz has replaced Shahzad and the young stumper will look to replicate the heroics of his predecessor.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 268 | 53.60 | 83.22 | 1 | 1 |
5. Hashmatullah Shahidi (263 runs)
Consistency and character define Hashmatullah Shahidi's batting style. The Afghan middle-order batsman has been vital in anchoring innings for his team. In Asia Cup 2018, Shahidi showed his class by amassing 263 runs at an impressive average of 65.75.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Twitter)
Even without scoring a century, he consistently chipped in with the runs, as evidenced by his three fifties. Now leading Afghanistan in the 2023 Asia Cup, Shahidi will be expected to play the dual role of a leader and the mainstay of their batting lineup.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 263 | 65.75 | 72.25 | 3 | 0 |
6. Imam-ul-Haq (225 runs)
A scion of the famous cricketing family, Imam-ul-Haq has swiftly made a name for himself with his orthodox yet effective style of batting. In Asia Cup 2018, he scored 225 runs in five matches and showed his consistency with three half-centuries.
Imam-ul-Haq (Twitter)
With an average that hovered above 56 and a strike rate nearing 74, Imam played the role of the anchor for Pakistan. As Asia Cup 2023 approaches, all eyes will be on Imam and his explosive opening partner, Fakhar Zaman, as they're expected to provide Pakistan with fiery starts and set the tone for the innings.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 225 | 56.25 | 73.77 | 3 | 0 |
7. Shoaib Malik (211 runs)
Veteran Shoaib Malik has seen and done it all. His contributions in Asia Cup 2018 were vital with 211 runs at a commendable average of over 70. The Pakistan stalwart's ability to shift gears and his calmness in crisis situations made him invaluable.
Shoaib Malik (Twitter)
Even though Malik has hung up his boots from the longer formats, he remains a T20I contender, leveraging his vast reservoir of experience. His continued dedication to the game and adaptability to shorter formats stand at this age is a proof of his unending love for the sport.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 211 | 70.33 | 80.53 | 2 | 0 |
8. Litton Das (181 runs)
Bangladesh's wicketkeeper-batsman, Litton Das is known for his aggressive starts at the top of the order. In the 2018 edition of the Asia Cup, he mustered 181 runs, including a scintillating maiden century that displayed his wide range of shots.
Litton Das (Twitter)
With a strike rate above 86, he often provided the early momentum that Bangladesh required. As we approach Asia Cup 2023, Litton's role remains crucial. His ability to take on the bowlers and set the stage for the middle order will be instrumental in Bangladesh's journey in the tournament.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 181 | 30.16 | 86.19 | 0 | 1 |
9. Ambati Rayudu (175 runs)
Known for his stoic presence and dependability, Ambati Rayudu was instrumental for India in Asia Cup 2018 title win. He notched 175 runs in six matches, averaging an impressive 43.75 with a strike rate of 80.27.
Ambati Rayudu (Twitter)
His two fifties reflected his ability to stabilize the innings or accelerate as the situation demanded. Although Rayudu has since transitioned from international cricket, he continues to entertain fans with his batting brilliance in T20 leagues globally.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 175 | 43.75 | 80.27 | 2 | 0 |
10. Babar Azam (156 runs)
The mainstay of Pakistan's batting, Babar Azam had a relatively muted Asia Cup 2018 by his own lofty standards, registering 156 runs. However, the class he exudes and his exquisite shot-making ability are undeniable. Since 2018, Babar has transformed into a global cricketing phenomenon, particularly in the ODI format.
Babar Azam (Twitter)
As he gears up to lead Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023, the weight of expectations rests on his shoulders. His form and leadership will be pivotal in steering Pakistan's aspirations to clinch the title that has eluded them since 2012.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 156 | 31.20 | 70.90 | 1 | 0 |
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