The Asia Cup 2023 cricket tournament is currently underway, featuring 6 teams competing in ODI format. The tournament started on August 30th and will conclude with the final on September 17th.
This 16th edition of the Asia Cup is special for being the first one hosted jointly by two countries – Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Matches are being played across 4 venues – Multan Cricket Stadium, Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan and R.Premadasa Stadium, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.
The 6 competing teams are divided into 2 groups of 3 each. Group A has India, Pakistan and tournament debutants Nepal.
Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh and host Sri Lanka. The top 2 teams from each group will progress to the Super 4 stage, where they face off against the top 2 from the other group.
The top 2 teams at the end of the Super 4 matches will play the final on September 17th.
This Asia Cup features some of the best ODI bowlers in the world currently. Afghanistan’s spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammed Nabi will be a force to reckon with.
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and left-arm quick Mustafizur Rahman bring experience. Nepal’s leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane will be one to watch out for.
The pace attack of India and Pakistan are also world-class. India has the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and young Arshdeep Singh. Pakistan boasts Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and the experienced Mohammad Amir.
Sri Lanka will bank on mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana and newcomer Dilshan Madushanka to make an impact. Overall, the quality of bowling attacks promises an intense competition between bat and ball.
Most Wickets in Asia Cup All Time
When it comes to past records, legendary Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan tops the wicket-takers chart in Asia Cup ODI history with 30 scalps. Overall, combining ODIs and T20Is, Lasith Malinga has taken the most wickets – 33 wickets in just 15 matches between 2004-2018.
Here is the list of all Bowlers With the most wickets in Asia Cup 2023:
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matheesha Pathirana | Sri Lanka | 6 | 11 |
| 2 | Mohammed Siraj | India | 5 | 10 |
| 3 | Dunith Wellalage | Sri Lanka | 6 | 10 |
| 4 | Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | 5 | 10 |
| 5 | Kuldeep Yadav | India | 5 | 9 |
| 6 | Haris Rauf | Pakistan | 4 | 9 |
| 7 | Taskin Ahmed | Bangladesh | 4 | 9 |
| 8 | Maheesh Theekshana | Sri Lanka | 5 | 8 |
| 9 | Shoriful Islam | Bangladesh | 4 | 7 |
| 10 | Naseem Shah | Pakistan | 4 | 7 |
Asia Cup Past Winners
India has been the most successful team in the Asia Cup with 7 titles to their name. Sri Lanka have won the trophy 5 times. Pakistan won it twice in 2000 and 2012.
| Year | Team/Country |
|---|---|
| 1984 | India |
| 1986 | Sri Lanka |
| 1988 | India |
| 1994 | India |
| 1995 | India |
| 1997 | Sri Lanka |
| 2000 | Pakistan |
| 2004 | Sri Lanka |
| 2008 | Sri Lanka |
| 2010 | India |
| 2012 | Pakistan |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka |
| 2016 | India |
| 2018 | India |
| 2022 | Sri Lanka |