The Asia Cup has always been one of the most exciting cricket tournaments in the world. Bringing together the top Asian teams, the competition has witnessed countless memorable matches and legendary individual performances.
Among the many ways to measure a player’s impact, the Player of the Match (POTM) award stands out, as it highlights the cricketers who played the biggest role in winning a game for their team.
Over the years, several iconic players have dominated the Asia Cup, but only a few have managed to consistently walk away with the POTM award. Let’s look at the top five players who have won the most POTM awards in Asia Cup history.
5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 4 POTMs
Shahid Afridi was one of those players who could change a match in just a few overs. He won four Player of the Match awards in the Asia Cup, thanks to his big hitting with the bat and useful leg-spin bowling. Nicknamed “Boom Boom” for his attacking style, Afridi often
played short but powerful innings and picked up key wickets. His ability to make an impact quickly made him one of Pakistan’s most dangerous players in the tournament.
4. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 4 POTMs
Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara also earned four POTM awards in the Asia Cup. Stylish, consistent, and mentally tough, Sangakkara was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup for more than a decade. His ability to score runs against quality bowling attacks, while keeping the team calm during tense chases, made him one of the most reliable performers in the tournament.
3. Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) – 5 POTMs
Pakistan’s dependable all-rounder Shoaib Malik has five POTM awards to his name in the Asia Cup. Known for his calm batting in the middle order and useful off-spin bowling, Malik often played the role of a steady anchor or a finisher. His versatility allowed Pakistan to use him in different situations, and he frequently rose to the occasion in high-pressure matches against top rivals like India and Sri Lanka.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 5 POTMs
Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya was one of the most destructive openers in world cricket. He stands second on the list with five Player of the Match awards to his name. Jayasuriya was not only a powerful batsman but also a left-arm spinner, making him a match-winner with both bat and ball. His explosive batting at the top gave Sri Lanka many dream starts in Asia Cup games, making him a true all-round threat.
1. Virat Kohli (India) – 6 POTMs
Virat Kohli leads the chart with six Player of the Match awards, the highest by any cricketer in Asia Cup history. Famous for his chasing skills and match-winning performances, Kohli
has repeatedly stepped up in pressure situations. His unforgettable knock of 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup remains one of the greatest innings ever played in the tournament. Each of his POTM awards has come in big games, proving why he is called the “Chase Master.”
Summary Table – Most POTM Awards in Asia Cup (ODI)
| Rank | Played | POTM Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli (India) | 6 |
| 2 | Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) | 5 |
| 3 | Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) | 4 |
| 4 | Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) | 4 |
| 5 | Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) | 4 |
Conclusion
From Virat Kohli’s consistency to Shahid Afridi’s explosive brilliance, these five players have left their mark on the Asia Cup with match-winning performances. Kohli leads the pack with six awards, but the presence of legends like Jayasuriya, Malik, Sangakkara, and Afridi shows how the tournament has been shaped by Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan cricket greats.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
