Best ever Playing XI in Asia Cup History

The Asia Cup tournament is just around the corner. The mega event will see six heavy-weight Asian giants going against each other to have their hands on the biggest cricketing prize in the Asian continent. The fans have witnessed many great cricketers who’ve lit up the tournament with their power-packed performances over the years. From marvellous batting performances to top-notch bowling spells the Asia cup has seen it all in its 38-year-long history. Let’s go back in history and make the best-ever playing XI who’ve graced the prestigious stage of the Asia Cup tournament:

Openers

Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya (Source: Twitter)

Jayasuriya was one of the most feared opening batters in the world. He unleashed his beast mode on several occasions in the Asia Cup as well. He also sits on top of the list of highest run scorers in the Asia Cup history with 1220 runs to his name at an average of 53.04.

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar (Source: Twitter)

Any playing XI without the ‘master blaster’ is impossible to make. The most prolific batter in the history of international cricket also had a great outing in the Asia Cup scoring 971 runs at an average of 51.10. The duo of Tendulkar and Jayasuriya will give many bowlers sleepless nights with their diverse stroke play.

Middle Order

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

The modern-day great Virat Kohli has taken giant strides in international cricket ever since his debut and made an entry into the ‘elite club’ in no time. Kohli has scored 766 runs at an average of 63.83 in the Asia Cup so far and is the perfect choice for the no. three position in any playing eleven.

Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara (Source: Twitter)

Sangakkara has taken the Sri Lankan team out of trouble on numerous occasions after the team lost an early wicket. He acted as the backbone of the Sri Lankan batting line-up for a number of years. The batter has scored 1075 runs at an average of 48 in Asia Cup.

Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik (Source: Twitter)

Shoaib Malik is one of the oldest active cricketers in the Pakistan team. He has been a terrific middle-order batsman for them over the years and can even roll his arm over to provide the stability to any team. He’s scored 907 runs in Asia Cup at a magnificent average of 64.78.

 Lower Order

MS Dhoni (Captain and Wicketkeeper)

MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)

The ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni has been the most successful captain in the history of the Asia Cup winning 14 out of 19 matches. He also led India to two title victories under his captaincy. The batter has also scored 690 runs at an average of 69 and is also the most successful wicketkeeper of the tournament with 43 dismissals to his name.

Abdul Razzaq All rounder)

Abdul Razzaq (Source: Twitter)

Abdul Razzaq was a brilliant all-rounder for Pakistan for a number of years. He could score quick runs down the order and also provide variety in the bowling attack.

Spinners

Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan (Source: Twitter)

Muralitharan is the most successful bowler in the history of international cricket. He’s bamboozled many batters in the Asia cup as well picking up 30 wickets at an average of 28.

Ajantha Mendis

Ajantha Mendis (Source: Twitter)

Mendis emerged as Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner when he bowled his team to the Asia Cup title in 2008 as he blew away the Indian batting order. Mendis has picked up 26 wickets at an average of 10.42.

Seamers

Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga (Source: Twitter)

Malinga is the most successful bowler in the history of the Asia Cup having picked up 33 wickets at an average of 18.84. Malinga made life hell for many batters in his prime days with his speed variations and toe-crushing Yorkers.

Chaminda Vaas

Chaminda Vaas (Source: Twitter)

Chaminda Vaas will provide another variety in the seam bowling department to this team. He’s picked up 23 wickets at an average of 27.28 in Asia Cup. The left-arm seamer also holds the record for the best ever figures in the history of ODI cricket of 8/19 which he picked up against Zimbabwe.

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