The Asia Cup tournament began in 1984 and had brilliant bowling spells in the history of the tournament so far. Since its inception, only twice it has been during a shorter format in 2016 and 2022 due to the World Cup being held during those years. India has won the Asia Cup title 7 times, Sri Lanka 5, and Pakistan twice. Rohit Sharma’s led side is the defending Champions of 50 over the tournament that they won in the 2018 edition.
This edition of the Asia Cup will see India, Pakistan, and Nepal in one group while Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in one group There have many top-quality spells in the history of the tournament that changed the course of the game with their brilliant bowling. Muttiah Muralitharan is the leading wicket-taker in Asia Cup history with 30 wickets from 24 matches (24 innings) at an economy of 3.75 runs per over.
Here we look at the 5 Top Bowling Spells in the History of the Asia Cup
- Ajantha Mendis (6/13) in 2008
Ajantha Mendis registered one of the best bowling spells in the history of the Asia Cup. He showed his class with a match-winning effort in the finals of the 2008 edition against India played at National Stadium, Karachi on 6th July.
Mendis was bought into the attack and put enough pressure on Indian batters with his variations. He began the slide for India by dismissing Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, and RP Singh to skittle out India for 173. He finished with figures of 6 for 13 in 8 overs at an economy of 1.62 runs per over. He was named the player of the match with his match-winning spell.
Apart from this, he grabbed 5 for 22 against the United Arab Emirates at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 26th June 2008.
- Aaqib Javed (5/19) in 1995
The Pakistan pace bowler Aaqib Javed has the second-best bowling figures in Asia Cup history. He picked up 5 for 19 in 9 overs against India at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on 7th April 1995.
Defending 267 runs, Aaqib Javed got the breakthrough dismissing Manoj Prabhakar in the first over. He then dismissed Sachin Tendulkar, Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin, and Vinod Kambli and got rid of Javagal Srinath.
It was a remarkable bowling effort by Javed who rattled the Indian batting line up. His bowling effort helped Pakistan bowl out India cheaply registering 97 runs victory. For his figures of 5 for 19, Aaqib Javed was named the player of the match award. He went at an economy rate of 2.11 runs per over.
- Arshad Ayub (5/21) in 1988
The Indian spinner showed his class with another superb spell in Asia Cup history. He took 5 for 21 against Pakistan in Dhaka on 31st October 1988. He dismissed Pakistan opener Ramiz Raja, Aamer Malik, Shoaib Mohammed, Naved Anjum, and Wasim Akram to bowl out just 142. India won the match by 4 wickets with 56 deliveries remaining.
For his match-winning spell of 5 for 21 in 9 overs at an economy of 2.33 runs per over, Arshad Ayub was named the player of the match award.
4. Muttiah Muralitharan (5/31) in 2008
The legendary Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the 5th best bowling spell in Asia Cup history. He grabbed 5 for 31 against Bangladesh at the National Stadium, Karachi on 30th June 2008. The match was played on the Super Four stage. Defending a mammoth total of 333, Muralitharan dismissed Raqibul Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Alok Kapali.
After that, he dismissed Abdur Razzak and finished off by picking up the wicket of Mashrafe Mortaza. His efforts helped Sri Lanka bowl out Bangladesh for 174. He ended with figures of 5 for 31 in 10 overs going at an economy of 3.1 runs per over. For his brilliant effort, Muralitharan was named the player of the match.
5. Lasith Malinga (5/34) in 2010
Sri Lankan former bowler, Lasith Malinga produced one of decent spells in Asia Cup history. He picked up 5 for 34 against Pakistan in the opening match at Rangiri International Stadium, Dambulla on 15th June 2010.
Defending 243 runs to win, Malinga grabbed the early breakthrough dismissing Salman Butt without opening his account. He then got rid of Umar Amin to put pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup. The pace bowler was bought into the attack and got rid of Mohammad Aamir, Shoaib Akhtar, and Mohammad Asif to bowl Pakistan out for 226 in 47 overs to give Sri Lanka 16 16-run victory.
Lasith Malinga delivered the goods and ended with figures of 5 for 34 in 10 overs. He was simply outstanding with his yorkers that derailed the batting. Despite his performances, Shahid Afridi was named the Man of the Match award.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
