Top 10 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in Asia Cup ODI History

The Asia Cup (ODI) has seen some of the most iconic bowling performances in the history of cricket. Bowlers who excel in ODIs often contribute significantly in the Test format as well. Interestingly, many of the bowlers mentioned in this article have also faced or dismissed some of the Most Wickets in Asia Cup during their careers. This connection between formats gives us a deeper appreciation for their contributions to the game. Below is a detailed look at the top 10 wicket-takers in Asia Cup (ODI) history, with every paragraph highlighting their relevance against or alongside the Most Wickets in Asia Cup.

List of 10 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in Asia Cup ODI History

10. Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan has long been Bangladesh’s most reliable all-rounder in all formats of cricket. In the Asia Cup (ODI), he demonstrated his bowling prowess by taking 22 wickets in 18 matches from 2010 to 2023. His control over length and ability to break partnerships came in handy against even the Most Wickets in Asia Cup, many of whom struggled against his spin in crucial moments. His economy rate of 4.74 shows how disciplined he was, even if his average was slightly on the higher side. Shakib’s best came against Pakistan, where he picked up 4 wickets for 42 runs Most Wickets in Asia Cup.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
18	22	4/42	36.95	4.74

9. Abdur Razzak

Abdur Razzak was known for his left-arm orthodox spin and his consistent performances in the middle overs. Playing from 2004 to 2014, he took 22 wickets in 18 innings in the Asia Cup. Though his average was 36.18, Razzak still maintained control, especially against the Most Wickets in Asia Cup, who often found it difficult to score freely against him. His best spell of 3/17 was a standout for Bangladesh during a time when their bowling attack was still developing.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
18	22	3/17	36.18	4.67

8. Sanath Jayasuriya

Famous for his aggressive batting, Sanath Jayasuriya was also a reliable part-time bowler. From 1990 to 2008, he picked up 22 wickets in 25 matches during Asia Cup tournaments. His best bowling of 4/49 came during a vital match for Sri Lanka. Jayasuriya often bowled during pressure moments and managed to trouble the Most Wickets in Asia Cup with his deceptive spin. His average of 30.31 shows he was more than a part-timer when needed.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
25	22	4/49	30.31	4.48

7. Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan was India’s go-to bowler in the mid-2000s. Between 2004 and 2012, he took 22 wickets in just 12 Asia Cup matches. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him a constant threat, especially to the Most Wickets in Asia Cup who often fell early to his new-ball spells. His best figures of 4/32 highlight his impact as a match-winner. Despite a slightly high economy of 5.54, he often provided crucial breakthroughs.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
12	22	4/32	27.50	5.54

6. Chaminda Vaas

Chaminda Vaas was Sri Lanka’s most dependable fast bowler throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. In the Asia Cup, he played 19 matches from 1995 to 2008 and took 23 wickets. Known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball, Vaas often bowled against the Most Wickets in Asia Cup and kept them in check with his economy rate of 4.19. His best spell of 3/30 shows how effective he was at controlling the game.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
19	23	3/30	27.78	4.19

5. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja has been one of India’s top performers with the ball in ODI cricket. From 2010 to 2023, he took 25 wickets in 20 Asia Cup matches. His sharp fielding and left-arm spin often put pressure on teams, especially when bowling to the Most Wickets in Asia Cup who struggled to rotate strike against him. His best figures were 4/29, and his economy of 4.34 highlights his control in the middle overs.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
20	25	4/29	26.28	4.34

4. Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal brought mystery and skill to Pakistan’s bowling unit. Playing from 2008 to 2014, he took 25 wickets in just 12 Asia Cup matches. His doosra and off-spin deliveries made life difficult for the Most Wickets in Asia Cup, many of whom were dismissed by him across formats. Though he never took a four- or five-wicket haul, his average of 19.40 and consistent performances made him a top asset for Pakistan.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
12	25	3/26	19.40	4.21

3. Ajantha Mendis

Ajantha Mendis had a short but explosive stint in the Asia Cup. From 2008 to 2014, he played only 8 matches but took 26 wickets, including the record 6/13 against India. His carrom balls and variations were nearly unplayable, even for the Most Wickets in Asia Cup, who failed to read him. His incredible average of 10.42 and economy of under 4 made him a match-winner in every game he played.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
8	26	6/13	10.42	3.98

2. Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga’s unorthodox action and deadly yorkers earned him the reputation of being one of the greatest ODI bowlers. Between 2004 and 2018, he played 14 Asia Cup matches and took 29 wickets. His best of 5/34 came in a high-pressure game. The Most Wickets in Asia Cup often found it difficult to face his reverse swing and toe-crushing deliveries, especially in the death overs. Malinga’s three five-wicket hauls in the tournament remain unmatched.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
14	29	5/34	20.55	4.65

1. Muttiah Muralidaran

Muttiah Muralidaran is the highest wicket-taker in Asia Cup (ODI) history, with 30 wickets in 24 matches from 1995 to 2010. His ability to deceive even the Most Wickets in Asia Cup with his spin variations made him a legend of the game. His best performance was 5/31, and his economy of 3.75 made him virtually unplayable in subcontinent conditions. Murali’s record speaks volumes about his impact in limited-overs and Test cricket alike.

Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
24	30	5/31	28.83	3.75

The Asia Cup has been a platform where bowlers have displayed their skill against some of the strongest batting line-ups in the world. Most of these top wicket-takers have consistently challenged or dismissed the Most Wickets in Asia Cup, proving their worth across formats. From spin maestros like Muralidaran and Ajmal to pace legends like Malinga and Vaas, these bowlers have carved their names in Asia Cup history. Their efforts not only helped their teams win games but also set benchmarks in world cricket.