Combined Asia Cup XI Of All Time (ODIs)

image-lluswugbSanath Jayasuriya has the most runs in Asia Cup [X.com]

The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 is all set to commence on August 30, with co-host Pakistan taking on Nepal in the opening clash in Multan. The tournament promises to be a blockbuster, with six top-tier teams set to battle it out for the coveted trophy. 

From Sachin Tendulkar to Muttiah Muralitharan, the Asia Cup has always been graced by superstars from the subcontinent. So, as the sides prepare for the marquee event, we provide you with the all-time Asia Cup XI in ODIs. 


Sanath Jayasuriya

One of the finest-ever ODI all-rounders, Sanath Jayasuriya, was a brute force with bat in the 50-over format. Hailed for his explosive batting, Jayasuriya is the most successful batter in Asia Cup history, amassing 1220 runs, including six hundreds and three fifties, at a magnificent average of 53.04 and a blistering strike rate of 102.52. He has also showcased his bowling prowess, scalping 22 wickets through his wily left-arm off-spin. 


Sachin Tendulkar

image-llusz5a7Tendulkar scored his 100th century in Asia Cup 2012 [X.com]

Inarguably the greatest-ever batter, Sachin Tendulkar was an impeccable force with the bat for India. Regarded as the Master Blaster, Tendulkar is the most successful batter from India in the Asia Cup, with 971 runs, including two tons and seven fifties, at an average of 51.10 and a strike rate of 85.47. He has also picked 17 wickets in 23 matches in the tournament. 


Virat Kohli

image-llut2oydKohli hammered 183 vs Pakistan in 2012 Asia Cup [X.com]

The finest batter of this generation, Virat Kohli, has enjoyed stellar success in the Asia Cup, garnering 613 runs in just ten innings at an astonishing average of 61.30 and a strike rate of 97.14. Kohli has smashed three centuries in the tournament, the most prominent being a stunning 183 against arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2012 edition.


Kumar Sangakkara

Hailed for his elegant stroke play, Kumar Sangakkara is the second-highest scorer in Asia Cup history with 1075 runs to his name. He has slammed four hundreds and eight fifties, playing a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's astounding success in the showpiece event. 


Shakib Al Hasan

image-llut097xShakib Al Hasan [X.com]

Regarded as one of the greatest-ever all-rounders, Shakib Al Hasan has been instrumental in Bangladesh's rise as a dominant force in ODI cricket. The stylish southpaw has recorded impressive numbers in the Asia Cup, amassing 402 runs and scalping 19 wickets in 13 matches. 


MS Dhoni (C/Wk)

image-llut5p8xMS Dhoni led India to Asia Cup title in 2010 [X.com]

One of the finest-ever tacticians, former Indian captain MS Dhoni led India to silverware in the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cup editions. Hailed for his extraordinary finishing skills, Dhoni has 648 runs at an impressive average of 64.80 and a blistering strike rate of 87.68. 


Shahid Afridi

image-llut7envShahid Afridi has a brilliant batting record in Asia Cup [X.com]

Swashbuckling all-rounder Shahid Afridi was an invaluable asset for Pakistan in his playing days, leading them to many miraculous victories from improbable positions. Afridi showcased his hard-hitting prowess in the Asia Cup, aggregating 532 runs at a strike rate of 140.74 and scalping 14 wickets. 


Irfan Pathan

A swing bowler who could chip in with handy contributions, Irfan Pathan, was effective as a bowling all-rounder for India in the 2000s. Pathan is the most successful Indian bowler in Asia Cup history, scalping 22 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of just over 5.50. 


Lasith Malinga

Arguably, the greatest exponent of yorker, Lasith Malinga, was lethal with both new and old ball. Malinga, who took four wickets in consecutive deliveries in the 2007 World Cup, has 29 wickets in just 14 Asia Cup matches at a surreal economy of 4.65. 


Muttiah Muralitharan

image-llut8pstMuralitharan has most wickets in Asia Cup [X.com]

One of the finest spinners to grace the game, Muttiah Muralitharan was known for his wily variations. The Lankan great is the most successful bowler in Asia Cup history, with 30 wickets at an outstanding economy of 3.75. 


Ajantha Mendis

Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis became a household name during the 2008 Asia Cup, where he rattled the formidable Indian lineup with a spectacular six-fer in the final. The finger-spinner is the third-most successful bowler in Asia Cup history, with 26 wickets in just eight matches.


Combined Asia Cup XI (ODI) Of All Time

Sanath Jayasuriya
Sachin Tendulkar
Virat Kohli
Kumar Sangakkara
Shakib Al Hasan
MS Dhoni (C/Wk)
Shahid Afridi
Irfan Pathan
Lasith Malinga
Muttiah Muralitharan
Ajantha Mendis