The 16th edition of the Asia Cup 2023, the prominent cricket tournament in Asia, is scheduled to commence on August 30, featuring Pakistan against Nepal in the opening match. The competition will be played in the 50-over format and includes six teams: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. With seven victories, India holds the record for the most wins, while Sri Lanka has secured the title four times. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India aims to secure their eighth championship victory, showcasing their dominance in the tournament’s history. The event promises an intense battle among these cricketing nations for the coveted title.
In the history of the game there have been many batters who have certainly made a mark for themselves in this tournament, so let us look at the top run-getters in the history of the game;
Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Initially regarded as a bowler, Sanath Jayasuriya subsequently developed into a powerful batsman with exceptional control of his hands and eyes. His brash strokes, especially across the point along with the leg side, helped to define his persona. He continuously produced strong innings despite oscillations, defying obituary predictions. As illustrated by his quick scoring throughout formats, his batting skills took the spotlight but his slow left-arm bowling remained successful. Over 440 international wickets were the result of Jayasuriya’s effective play and versatility, demonstrating his general cricketing prowess.
In the 25 innings that the Sri Lankan legend has played the left-hand batter has scored 1220 runs with an astonishing average of 53.04 as well as at a terrific average of 102.52 along with six centuries to his name.
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Kumar Sangakkara, a graceful batsman, dependable wicketkeeper, and strategic thinker, was a cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket for nearly 15 years. With around 500 international games for his nation, he bid farewell in a 2015 Test against India.
Sangakkara made his sensational entry in 2000, marked by a remarkable 156 against Zimbabwe A, which convinced selectors of his prowess. Earning his place at just 22, he secured his first Man of the Match award in his second ODI. Notably, his initial Test century arrived in his tenth match, his composed batting reflecting maturity beyond his years.
In the 24 matches that the Southpaw has played for the Sri Lankan team, the elegant left-hand batter has scored 1075 runs at an average of 48.86 with four centuries to his name.
Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Sachin Tendulkar’s remarkable versatility made him a complete batter of his generation, combining talent with hard work and recognizing the need for refinement. His dedication and skill set him apart, crafting the legend he is. Tendulkar’s influence extended beyond the game, catalyzing cricket’s popularity in India and elevating it to a national obsession.
The legendary Indian batter unified people of all backgrounds, transforming the sport into a revered cultural phenomenon and propelling India’s cricket board to unparalleled wealth and power on the global stage. In the 23 innings that he played for the Indian team; the batting maestro has scored 971 runs at a staggering average of 51.10 with two centuries to his name.
Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)
Shoaib Malik shines out as a cricketer who is surprisingly adaptable and has had success in a variety of roles during his career, raising concerns regarding his ideal position even after a significant amount of time has passed. He transitioned from being an off-break bowler to being renowned as a batting all-rounder. Malik’s flexibility has been a defining trait of his fascinating cricketing journey, from starting in Tests and ODIs to delivering middle-order solidity, lower-order power, and explosive T20 displays.
The legendary Pakistan batter has scored 786 runs in the 17 matches he has played for the Pakistan national side and has gone on to score runs at an astonishing average of 65.50 along with a terrific strike rate of 90.65 which also includes three hundreds.
Rohit Sharma (India)
One of the most talented batters in the history of the game is Rohit Sharma. The right-hand batter has impressed one and all with batting as well as shot-making skills over the years. Rohit majorly blossomed into international cricket after he started opening for the Indian team and ever since then, he has never looked back. Whenever he bats he makes batting look so easy and his stroke-making ability is eye-pleasing. The Indian team would be counting on him desperately for the upcoming Asia Cup as well as the ODI World Cup.
The current India skipper has played 22 matches in the history of the tournament and has scored 745 runs at a healthy average of 46.56 with a high score of 111.
ASIA CUP MOST RUNS in 2023:
| No | Player | Team | Runs | Mat | Avg | H.S | SR | 4s | 6s | 100s | 50s |
| 1 | Shubman Gill | IND | 302 | 6 | 75.5 | 121 | 93.5 | 35 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Kusal Mendis | SL | 270 | 6 | 45 | 92 | 85.71 | 27 | 5 | — | 3 |
| 3 | Sadeera Samarawickrama | SL | 215 | 6 | 35.83 | 93 | 89.21 | 19 | 2 | — | 2 |
| 4 | Babar Azam | PAK | 207 | 5 | 51.75 | 151 | 97.64 | 20 | 4 | 1 | — |
| 5 | Mohammad Rizwan | PAK | 195 | 5 | 97.5 | 86 | 94.2 | 19 | 3 | — | 2 |
| 6 | Rohit Sharma | IND | 194 | 6 | 48.5 | 74 | 107.78 | 21 | 11 | — | 3 |
| 7 | Nazmul Hossain Shanto | BAN | 193 | 2 | 96.5 | 104 | 85.02 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 8 | Charith Asalanka | SL | 179 | 6 | 44.75 | 62 | 74.27 | 13 | 3 | — | 1 |
| 9 | Iftikhar Ahmed | PAK | 179 | 5 | 89.5 | 109 | 122.6 | 16 | 6 | 1 | — |
| 10 | Shakib Al Hasan | BAN | 173 | 5 | 43.25 | 80 | 97.19 | 18 | 4 | — | 2 |
| 11 | KL Rahul | IND | 169 | 4 | 84.5 | 111 | 89.42 | 16 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 12 | Mehidy Hasan Miraz | BAN | 158 | 5 | 39.5 | 112 | 84.04 | 12 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 13 | Towhid Hridoy | BAN | 158 | 5 | 31.6 | 82 | 68.7 | 12 | 3 | — | 2 |
| 14 | Ishan Kishan | IND | 143 | 6 | 47.67 | 82 | 81.71 | 13 | 3 | — | 1 |
| 15 | Pathum Nissanka | SL | 132 | 6 | 22 | 41 | 78.57 | 17 | — | — | — |
ASIA CUP MOST RUNS:
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Batting Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 25 | 1220 | 130 vs Ban (2008) | 53.04 | 102.52 | 6 | 3 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 24 | 1075 | 121 vs Ban (2008) | 48.86 | 84.51 | 4 | 8 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 23 | 971 | 114 vs Ban (2012) | 51.1 | 85.47 | 2 | 7 |
| Shoaib Malik | Pakistan | 17 | 786 | 143 vs Ind (2004) | 65.5 | 90.65 | 3 | 3 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 22 | 745 | 111* vs Pak (2018) | 46.56 | 84.94 | 1 | 6 |
| Arjuna Ranatunga | Sri Lanka | 19 | 741 | 121 vs Ind (1997) | 57 | 82.79 | 1 | 6 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 21 | 699 | 144 vs SL (2018) | 36.78 | 84.52 | 2 | 2 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 28 | 674 | 78 vs Ind (2012) | 29.3 | 87.64 | 0 | 7 |
| MS Dhoni | India | 19 | 648 | 109* vs HK (2008) | 64.8 | 87.68 | 1 | 3 |
| Aravinda de Silva | Sri Lanka | 24 | 645 | 96* vs Ban (2000) | 32.25 | 83.44 | 0 | 4 |