The excitement is building as the 16th edition of the Asia Cup approaches, and cricket fans around the continent are gearing up for the clash of the Asian giants. The tournament’s opening game will feature co-hosts Pakistan facing this year’s debutant, Nepal, at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
While legends like Sanath Jayasuriya, Sachin Tendulkar, and Kumar Sangakkara have left an indelible mark on the Asia Cup with their impressive run-scoring records, let’s shift our focus to the top 5 active players who have made their mark in the tournament.
Shakib al Hasan:
Shakib Al Hasan, recently appointed as Bangladesh’s captain, is a familiar name in Asia Cup cricket. He has been a part of the team since 2010 and played a crucial role in their journey to the final in 2018 in Dubai. In his 13 Asia Cup appearances.
Shakib has contributed with three fifty-plus scores and a total of 402 runs at an average of 33.50. As one of the top 5 run-scorers in the competition, Shakib now shoulders the responsibility of leading Bangladesh to their maiden Asia Cup title.
Rohit Sharma:
At the helm of the list of active players with the most runs in the Asia Cup is none other than Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team. Rohit’s association with the Asia Cup began in 2008 in Pakistan, and over the past decade, he has represented India in 22 games in this prestigious competition.
His remarkable tally of 745 runs at an impressive average of 46.56 places him at the top of the charts. Among these runs are six half-centuries and a century, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Rohit Sharma’s sights are set on a new milestone, as he needs 227 runs to surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar as India’s all-time highest run-scorer in the Asia Cup.
Mushfiqur Rahim:
Mushfiqur Rahim, the veteran player and wicket-keeper for Bangladesh, has been a pillar of strength in the team’s batting lineup. Rahim’s journey in the Asia Cup began in 2008, and since then, he has featured in 21 matches, accumulating a total of 699 runs at an impressive average of 36.78.
His Asia Cup journey includes two centuries and two fifties, underlining his ability to deliver match-winning performances on the big stage.
Virat Kohli:
Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, may not have participated in as many Asia Cups as some of his peers, but his impact has been significant. Kohli’s journey in this tournament started in 2010, and he played a crucial role in India’s triumph in the 2018 edition in Dubai, where they clinched a record-breaking sixth title under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.
Despite playing just 11 games and batting in 10 innings in ODI Asia Cup competitions, Kohli has managed to accumulate 613 runs at a remarkable average of 61.30, including three tournament-winning centuries. His 183 against Pakistan in 2012 remains one of the standout moments in Asia Cup history.
Tamim Iqbal:
Tamim Iqbal is another player from Bangladesh who has left his mark on the Asia Cup. Since making his debut in 2008, Tamim has participated in 13 matches, amassing a total of 519 runs at an impressive average of 43.25. His consistent performances and six fifty-plus scores underscore his importance as Bangladesh’s premier opener.
Unfortunately, an injury will keep Tamim Iqbal out of the forthcoming tournament in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, leaving a void in the Bangladesh lineup.
Last words:
As the 16th edition of the Asia Cup draws near, these top 5 active players with the most runs in the tournament are sure to be in the spotlight. Rohit Sharma, Mushfiqur Rahim, Virat Kohli, Tamim Iqbal, and Shakib al Hasan have consistently delivered outstanding performances, cementing their places in Asia Cup history.
Cricket enthusiasts can expect to witness more breathtaking innings and memorable moments as these players vie for supremacy in the upcoming edition of this prestigious tournament.
