Top 5 Bowlers With Most Wickets in Asia Cup (ODIs)

Lasith Malinga has a stellar record in Asia Cup (Twitter)

Asia Cup is a cricketing carnival that epitomizes the fascinating cricketing rivalries and rich traditions of Asian nations.  As much as the tournament has been a platform for batsmen to show their skills, it is the bowlers who shine and often set the rhythm of a match. Armed with their skills and an arsenal of variations, they often emerge as game-changers.

When we look at the list of bowlers with the most wickets in Asia Cup history, an interesting pattern emerges. Sri Lanka's dominance is evident with their bowlers occupying four of the top five spots while the remaining spot is accommodated by a Pakistani bowler.

The upcoming Asia Cup 2023, starting from August 30 will give bowlers another chance to better their record in the competition and feature in this coveted list. 

As we anticipate the commencement of the high-voltage tournament, let's take a look at the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in Asia Cup history (ODI format).

Who has most wickets in Asia Cup history?

1. Muttiah Muralitharan – 30 wickets

Muralitharan is one of cricket's greatest bowlers to have played to sport. He a unique off-spin technique that left batsmen worldwide confounded. His brilliance was particularly evident in the Asia Cup, where his ability to decipher batsmen's strategies and his mastery over variations, notably the 'doosra', established him as a top wicket-taker.

Muttiah Muralitharan (ICC Twitter)

In 24 Asia Cup appearances, he captured 30 wickets at an exceptional economy of 3.75 and an average of 28.83. His standout performance was a remarkable 5/31. These statistics, though impressive on their own, become even more significant when one considers his vital contributions to Sri Lanka's Asia Cup victories in 1997, 2004, and 2008, proving his mettle not just as a skilled player but also as a key team asset.

2. Lasith Malinga – 29 wickets

Malinga, with his slinging action, was the linchpin of Sri Lanka's bowling arsenal for a long time. Renowned for his lethal yorkers and cunning slower deliveries, he's been the batsman's nemesis, especially in the concluding overs. In the Asia Cup, Malinga's consistency in scalping wickets regularly further proved his status as a premier ODI bowler.

Lasith Malinga (ICC Twitter)

Competing in five editions from 2004 to 2018, he nagged 29 wickets at an economy of 4.65 and an average of 20.55. He topped the tournament’s wicket-taking charts in 2010 and 2014 and tasted victory with his team in 2004 (his debut series) and 2014. Among his many achievements, Malinga's three five-wicket hauls in the tournament stand out, with his finest performance being 5/34.

3. Ajantha Mendis – 26 wickets

Emerging as a revelation in the world of cricket, Mendis, with his mysterious spin variations, quickly caught the global spotlight. His distinctive carrom balls, off-breaks, and googlies left many a batsman in the Asia Cup in a plight. Within a short span, Mendis's brilliance shone through as he left a lasting mark in the tournament.

Ajantha Mendis (ICC Twitter)

Between 2008 and 2014, he managed to bag 26 wickets in just eight matches at an exceptional economy of 3.98 and an astonishing average of 10.42. He claimed the title of the highest wicket-taker in the 2008 edition and was instrumental in steering Sri Lanka to Asia Cup victories in both 2008 and 2014. His achievements include two five-wicket hauls, with an exemplary best of 6/13.

4. Saeed Ajmal – 25 wickets

Ajmal emerged as an important figure in the Asia Cup due to his command over the elusive 'doosra' and remarkable consistency. With a knack for choking the opposition's scoring rate and clinching crucial dismissals, he consistently shone in the tournament.

Saeed Ajmal (ICC Twitter)

From 2008 to 2014, Ajmal's brilliance was evident as he captured 25 wickets across 12 matches at a commendable average of 19.40 and an economy of 4.21. The highlight of his Asia Cup journey was being an integral part of the victorious Pakistani squad in 2012. His best figures in the tournament were 3/26.

5. Chaminda Vaas – 23 wickets

Vaas cunningly merged skills and tactics to thwart the opponent batters. In the Asia Cup, his proficiency in both conventional and reverse swing, along with his strategic variations, set him apart as a force to be reckoned with.

Chaminda Vaas (ICC Twitter)

Spanning from 1995 to 2008, Vaas's consistent performances in the Asia Cup have rightly placed him amongst the highest wicket-takers in the tournament. Over these years, he claimed 23 wickets in 19 matches at an average of 27.78 and an economy of 4.19. His best performance in the tournament peaked was 3/30.

---

ALSO READ

Asia Cup Winners List

---