The Asia Cup has produced some unforgettable performances since its first edition in 1984. Over the years, legendary cricketers have set records that continue to stand tall despite changes in playing conditions, formats, and competition levels. As the 2025 edition unfolds, these seven records remain some of the hardest to beat.
7. Muralitharan’s Spin Dominance
Sri Lankan legend, Muttiah Muralitharan, leads the wicket charts with 30 wickets in 24 matches at an exceptional economy rate of 3.75. His dominance over Asian batting giants established him as one of the best spin bowlers ever.
6. Malinga’s Record Five-Wicket Hauls
Lasith Malinga, famous for his deadly yorkers and slingy action, remains the only bowler with three five-wicket hauls in Asia Cup history. No other pacer or spinner has matched this record yet. Known for striking in crucial moments, Malinga’s ability to dismantle batting line-ups in big games makes this record special.
5. Jayasuriya’s Back-to-Back Hundreds in 2008
The 2008 Asia Cup showed Jayasuriya’s dominance, not just by how many runs he scored but by how consistent he was. He scored 378 runs in five matches, becoming the top run-scorer in the tournament. This mix of big runs and consistency shows a level of performance that few have matched in Asia Cup history.
4. Most Hundreds in Asia Cup History
Sanath Jayasuriya also holds the record for most centuries in Asia Cup history with six centuries. Close behind him is Virat Kohli with five centuries (four in ODIs and one in T20Is), followed by Kumar Sangakkara with four centuries. Scoring a century in a high-stakes tournament is a tough task, and doing so repeatedly across editions makes this record a towering achievement.
3. India’s Huge Triumph Against Hong Kong in 2008
In 2008, India registered a 256-run victory over Hong Kong, the largest winning margin by runs in Asia Cup history. The game featured a superb century from MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina and a four-wicket haul by Piyush Chawla, underlining India’s dominance. It remains one of the most one-sided matches in the tournament’s history.
2. Virat Kohli’s Unforgettable 183 vs Pakistan
Virat Kohli’s knock of 183 off 148 balls against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup remains the highest individual score in tournament history. Batting with authority, Kohli’s innings came at a strike rate of 123.64, anchoring a memorable chase for India. More than a decade later, no batter has surpassed this feat, and it still stands as a landmark in modern cricket.
1. Sanath Jayasuriya’s Big Runs in 2008
Sri Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya was unstoppable during the 2008 Asia Cup, scoring 378 runs in just five matches at an impressive average of 75.60 and a strike rate of 126.00. His tally included a top score of 130 runs, supported by 44 fours and 14 sixes. This remains one of the most dominant batting performances in the tournament’s history.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup has seen some of the best performances in cricket, and these records showcase the dominance of legends like Jayasuriya, Kohli, Malinga, and Muralitharan. As the 2025 edition unfolds, fans may witness new milestones, but these seven achievements remain benchmarks of brilliance that may never be surpassed.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
