The 2023 Asia Cup, referred to as the Super 11 Asia Cup due to sponsorship, marks the 16th edition of this prestigious cricket tournament. Set to be played in the One Day International (ODI) format, the event will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Six teams are set to compete in the tournament, scheduled for August and September 2023. Defending champions, Sri Lanka, aim to maintain their title. Notably, this Asia Cup stands as the first to be co-hosted by multiple countries, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka sharing the responsibility.
The tournament holds significance for Pakistan, as it marks their hosting of the Asia Cup after a prolonged gap due to security concerns following a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009. This year’s Asia Cup will see four matches in Pakistan and nine in Sri Lanka.
In this article, let us have a look at the leading run scorers and the top wicket takers in the marquee tournament.
Most Runs Scored in Asia Cup
| Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100 | 50 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | 1990-2008 | 25 | 24 | 1220 | 130 | 53.04 | 102.52 | 6 | 3 |
| Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 2004-2014 | 24 | 23 | 1075 | 121 | 48.86 | 84.51 | 4 | 8 |
| Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 1990-2012 | 23 | 21 | 971 | 114 | 51.10 | 85.47 | 2 | 7 |
| Shoaib Malik (PAK) | 2000-2018 | 17 | 15 | 786 | 143 | 65.50 | 90.65 | 3 | 3 |
| Rohit Sharma (IND) | 2008-2018 | 22 | 21 | 745 | 111* | 46.56 | 84.94 | 1 | 6 |
| Arjun Ranatunga (SL) | 1984-1997 | 19 | 19 | 741 | 131* | 57.00 | 82.79 | 1 | 6 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN) | 2008-2018 | 21 | 21 | 699 | 144 | 36.78 | 84.52 | 2 | 2 |
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 2000-2014 | 28 | 26 | 674 | 78 | 29.30 | 87.64 | – | 7 |
| MS Dhoni (IND) | 2008-2018 | 19 | 16 | 648 | 109* | 64.80 | 87.68 | 1 | 3 |
| Arvinda de Silva (SL) | 1984-2000 | 24 | 22 | 645 | 96* | 32.25 | 83.44 | – | 4 |
Sanath Jayasuriya, an iconic Sri Lankan cricketer, holds the record for the highest runs in the tournament, amassing 1220 runs with an impressive average of 53.04. Kumar Sangakkara, another Sri Lankan legend, follows closely with 1075 runs and a commendable average of 48.86. Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian batting maestro is at number three positio, contributed 971 runs with an average of 51.10, while Shoaib Malik from Pakistan displayed his versatility with 786 runs at an astounding average of 65.50. Rohit Sharma, representing India, recorded 745 runs with a strike rate of 84.94.
The surprise exclusion in this list is Indian superstar Virat Kohli. He is at number 12 position with 613 runs in 10 innings at an average of 61.30. He last played an ODI Asia Cup way back in 2014. He missed the ODI Asia Cup in 2018.
Most Wickets taken in Asia Cup
| Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Wkts | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR |
| Muthhihah Muralidaran | 1995-2010 | 24 | 24 | 30 | 5/31 | 28.83 | 3.75 | 46.06 |
| Lasith Malinga | 2004-2018 | 14 | 14 | 29 | 5/34 | 20.55 | 4.65 | 26.51 |
| AjanthaMendis | 2008-2014 | 8 | 8 | 26 | 6/13 | 10.42 | 3.98 | 15.69 |
| Saeed Ajmal | 2008-2014 | 12 | 12 | 25 | 3/26 | 19.40 | 4.21 | 27.60 |
| Chaminda Vaas | 1995-2008 | 19 | 19 | 23 | 3/30 | 27.78 | 4.19 | 39.73 |
| Irfan Pathan | 2004-2012 | 12 | 12 | 22 | 4/32 | 27.50 | 5.54 | 29.77 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 1990-2008 | 25 | 21 | 22 | 4/49 | 30.31 | 4.48 | 40.59 |
| Abdur Razzak | 2004-2014 | 18 | 18 | 22 | 3/17 | 36.18 | 4.67 | 46.45 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2010-2018 | 14 | 14 | 19 | 4/29 | 26.57 | 4.34 | 36.68 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 2010-2018 | 13 | 13 | 19 | 4/42 | 32.73 | 4.87 | 40.31 |
The first three bowlers are all from the Emerald Island Sri Lanka. Muttiah Muralidaran from Sri Lanka displayed tops the list with 30 wickets and a remarkable 28.83 average. Sri Lanka’s SL Malinga secured 29 wickets at an impressive 20.55 average and is at number 2. Ajantha Mendis stood out with an exceptional 26 wickets and a mere 10.42 average. Saeed Ajmal of Pakistan recorded 25 wickets with a 19.40 average.
Players like Chaminda Vaas, Irfhan Pathan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Abdur Razzak, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shakib Al Hasan also contributed significantly to the tournament’s bowling legacy. Sanath Jayasuriya features in both the list. Interestingly, Sachin Tendulkar is the 13th highest wicket taker with 17 wickets.
NOTE: The list includes only the 50 Overs Asia Cup.
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