the Asia Cup has witnessed some exceptional bowling displays. Let’s delve into the statistics and explore the leading wicket-takers in the history of the tournament. These bowlers have consistently outfoxed batsmen and made crucial contributions to their respective teams’ success.
Muttiah Muralitharan tops the list with 30 wickets in 24 innings, displaying his spin wizardry with a best bowling performance of 5/31.
Lasith Malinga follows closely with 29 wickets in just 14 innings, renowned for his lethal yorkers and variations, including three five-wicket hauls. Ajantha Mendis showcases his unorthodox spin skills, claiming 26 wickets in only 8 innings, including an impressive best figure of 6/13.
Saeed Ajmal from Pakistan is notable for his crafty spin bowling, accumulating 25 wickets in 12 innings, while Chaminda Vaas, the left-arm seamer from Sri Lanka, proved his accuracy and swing prowess with 23 wickets in 19 innings.
Irfan Pathan, the swing bowler from India, contributed 22 wickets in 12 innings, relying on his ability to move the ball effectively.
Let’s take a closer look at the Highest Wicket-taker in the history of the Asia Cup, highlighting their impressive achievements and contributions to their respective teams.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 30 | 24 | 31/5 | 1 |
| Lasith Malinga | 29 | 14 | 34/5 | 3 |
| Ajantha Mendis | 26 | 8 | 13/6 | 2 |
| Saeed Ajmal | 25 | 12 | 26/3 | 0 |
| Chaminda Vaas | 23 | 19 | 30/3 | 0 |
| Irfan Pathan | 22 | 12 | 32/4 | 0 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 22 | 21 | 49/4 | 0 |
| Abdur Razzak | 22 | 18 | 17/3 | 0 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 19 | 14 | 29/4 | 0 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 19 | 13 | 42/4 | 0 |
Read More: Most Runs in ODI Asia Cup (1984-2023)
Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan, the spin wizard from Sri Lanka, tops the list with 30 wickets in 24 innings. With an impressive best bowling performance of 5/31, Muralitharan has been a nightmare for batsmen in the Asia Cup. He achieved one five-wicket haul during his tenure.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 30 | 24 | 31/5 | 1 |
Lasith Malinga
Known for his fiery yorkers and sling-arm action, Lasith Malinga occupies the second spot with 29 wickets in just 14 innings. Malinga’s unique bowling style and accuracy have troubled even the best batsmen. He boasts an impressive best bowling innings (BBI) of 5/34 and has achieved an incredible three five-wicket hauls.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | 29 | 14 | 34/5 | 3 |
Ajantha Mendis
Ajantha Mendis, another spin sensation from Sri Lanka, showcases his brilliance with 26 wickets in just 8 innings. Mendis bamboozled batsmen with his unorthodox variations, claiming a remarkable best bowling innings of 6/13. He achieved two five-wicket hauls, underlining his impact in the Asia Cup.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajantha Mendis | 26 | 8 | 13/6 | 2 |
Saeed Ajmal
Representing Pakistan, Saeed Ajmal proved to be a formidable spinner in the Asia Cup. With 25 wickets in 12 innings, Ajmal troubled batsmen with his clever variations and guile. Although he did not secure a five-wicket haul, his best bowling innings of 3/26 displayed his ability to contain runs and take crucial wickets.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saeed Ajmal | 25 | 12 | 26/3 | 0 |
Read More: Most Runs In ICC World Cup History [1975-2019]
Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas, the left-arm seamer from Sri Lanka, takes the fifth spot with 23 wickets in 19 innings. Vaas’ ability to swing the ball and extract movement off the pitch troubled batsmen. While he achieved a best bowling innings of 3/30, he did not secure a five-wicket haul in the Asia Cup.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaminda Vaas | 23 | 19 | 30/3 | 0 |
Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan, the swing bowler from India, showcased his skills in the Asia Cup, claiming 22 wickets in 12 innings. Known for his ability to swing the new ball, Pathan’s best bowling innings of 4/32 displayed his effectiveness with both new and old balls.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irfan Pathan | 22 | 12 | 32/4 | 0 |
Sanath Jayasuriya
It is worth mentioning that Sanath Jayasuriya, known for his explosive batting, also contributed as a bowler. He claimed 22 wickets in 21 innings, primarily as a part-time spinner. Although he did not achieve a five-wicket haul, his ability to provide breakthroughs made him a valuable asset for Sri Lanka.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 22 | 21 | 49/4 | 0 |
Abdur Razzak
Abdur Razzak, representing Pakistan, claimed 22 wickets in 18 innings. With a best bowling innings of 3/17, Razzak showcased his ability to control the run flow and take crucial wickets.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdur Razzak | 22 | 18 | 17/3 | 0 |
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, the versatile all-rounder from India, impressed with his bowling in the Asia Cup. He claimed 19 wickets in 14 innings, with a best bowling innings of 4/29. Jadeja’s accuracy and ability to contain runs were instrumental in India’s success.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | 19 | 14 | 29/4 | 0 |
Read More: India vs Pakistan ODI World Cup Records [1992-2019]
Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan, the talismanic all-rounder from Bangladesh, rounds off the list with 19 wickets in 13 innings. With a best bowling innings of 4/42, Shakib showcased his ability to make breakthroughs and restrict the opposition’s scoring.
| Bowler | Wickets | Innings | BBI | 5-Wkt Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan | 19 | 13 | 42/4 | 0 |
