The Asia Cup is a big tournament and batters get all the attention but bowlers make the big plays. From Murli’s magic to Mallinga’s Yorker Asia Cup has seen it all. A folklore where the best of the bowlers take on one another
In the Asia Cup where every ball counts some bowlers have risen to the occasion. Here are the top 5 wicket takers in Asia Cup ODI history ranked by their impact.
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1. Muttiah Muralitharan – 30 Wickets for Sri Lanka
Muttiah Muralitharan has the most wickets in Asia Cup (ODI) history with 30 in 24 games. He was known for his control and sharp turn, he troubled even the best batsmen. His economy rate of 3.75 shows he could take wickets and limit runs, mostly in the middle overs.
With his variations and accuracy he was a key part of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack for over a decade. His Asia Cup contributions helped Sri Lanka to be strong in the tournament.
Muttiah Muralitharan Career Summary:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | SR | BB | BBM | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 133 | 800 | 22.73 | 2.48 | 55.05 | 9/51 | 16/220 | 67 | 22 |
| ODI | 350 | 534 | 23.08 | 3.93 | 35.23 | 7/30 | 7/30 | 10 | 0 |
| T20 | 12 | 13 | 22.85 | 6.32 | 21.69 | 3/29 | 3/29 | 0 | 0 |
2. Lasith Malinga – 29 Wickets for Sri Lanka
Lasith Malinga changed death bowling with his yorkers and sling action. He took 29 wickets in 15 Asia Cup ODIs, with an average of 18.84 and a strike rate under 24. Malinga was deadly in the last overs, often dismissing set batsmen with his accuracy.
He was a go to bowler in big matches like finals. Malinga’s Asia Cup record is why he is one of the best limited overs bowlers ever.
Lasith Malinga Career Summary:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Eco | SR | BB | BBM | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 30 | 101 | 33.16 | 3.86 | 51.57 | 5/50 | 9/210 | 3 | 0 |
| ODI | 226 | 338 | 28.87 | 5.35 | 32.36 | 6/38 | 6/38 | 8 | 0 |
| T20I | 84 | 107 | 20.79 | 7.42 | 16.81 | 5/6 | 5/6 | 2 | 0 |
| IPL | 122 | 170 | 19.79 | 7.14 | 16.63 | 5/13 | 5/13 | 1 | 0 |
3. Ajantha Mendis – 26 Wickets for Sri Lanka
Ajantha Mendis had one of the best Asia Cup debuts ever. In 2008 he took 26 wickets in 8 games. His performance in the final against India where he took 6 wickets for 13 runs is considered one of the best bowling performances in Asia Cup history.
Mendis introduced the “carrom ball” to international cricket and many experienced batsmen were confused. For a short time he was unplayable and had a lasting impact on limited overs spin bowling.
Ajantha Mendis Career Summary:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | SR | BB | BBM | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 19 | 70 | 34.77 | 3.09 | 67.57 | 6/99 | 10/209 | 4 | 1 |
| ODI | 87 | 152 | 21.87 | 4.80 | 27.33 | 6/13 | 6/13 | 3 | 0 |
| T20I | 39 | 66 | 14.42 | 6.45 | 13.41 | 6/8 | 6/8 | 2 | 0 |
| IPL | 10 | 8 | 35.63 | 7.13 | 30.00 | 2/19 | 2/19 | 0 | 0 |
4. Ravindra Jadeja – 25 Wickets for India
Ravindra Jadeja has the most wickets for India in Asia Cup ODIs with 25 in 18 games. As a left arm orthodox spinner known for his accuracy Jadeja would break partnerships at crucial times. He would help India to control the game and stay composed in the middle overs.
Jadeja did more than just take wickets. His economy and consistency would help India control the game with the ball, mostly on slower pitches that would help spinners. He has been part of India’s Asia Cup campaigns and is still a match winner.
Ravindra Jadeja Career Summary:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | SR | BB | BBM | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 85 | 330 | 25.17 | 2.58 | 58.56 | 7/42 | 10/110 | 15 | 3 |
| ODI | 204 | 231 | 35.41 | 4.85 | 43.79 | 5/33 | 5/33 | 2 | 0 |
| T20I | 74 | 54 | 29.85 | 7.13 | 25.11 | 3/15 | 3/15 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | 254 | 170 | 30.52 | 7.67 | 23.86 | 5/16 | 5/16 | 1 | 0 |
5. Saeed Ajmal – 25 Wickets for Pakistan
Saeed Ajmal was a spinner who had variations and was tough to face. In 12 Asia Cup games he took 25 wickets, often making big breakthroughs in the middle overs.
Ajmal was good under pressure. He was key for Pakistan when aggressive batting was becoming more common and his performances would help Pakistan to compete against top teams.
Saeed Ajmal Career Summary:
| Format | M | Wkts | Avg | Econ | SR | BBI | BBM | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 35 | 178 | 28.11 | 2.59 | 65.12 | 7/55 | 11/111 | 10 | 4 |
| ODI | 113 | 184 | 22.72 | 4.18 | 32.61 | 5/24 | 5/24 | 2 | 0 |
| T20 | 64 | 85 | 17.84 | 6.36 | 16.82 | 4/19 | 4/19 | 0 | 0 |
All-Time Leading Wicket-Takers in Asia Cup History (1984-2023)
| Edition | Player(s) | Team | Year | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16th | Matheesha Pathirana | SL | 2023 | 11 |
| 15th | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | IND | 2022 | 11 |
| 14th | Rashid Khan / Mustafizur Rahman / Kuldeep Yadav | AFG / BAN / IND | 2018 | 10 |
| 13th | Al-Amin Hossain | BAN | 2016 | 11 |
| 12th | Lasith Malinga / Saeed Ajmal | SL / PAK | 2014 | 11 |
| 11th | Umar Gul | PAK | 2012 | 9 |
| 10th | Lasith Malinga | SL | 2010 | 9 |
| 9th | Ajantha Mendis | SL | 2008 | 17 |
| 8th | Irfan Pathan | IND | 2004 | 14 |
| 7th | Abdul Razzaq | PAK | 2000 | 8 |
| 6th | Venkatesh Prasad | IND | 1997 | 7 |
| 5th | Anil Kumble | IND | 1995 | 7 |
| 4th | Kapil Dev | IND | 1990-91 | 9 |
| 3rd | Arshad Ayub | IND | 1988 | 9 |
| 2nd | Abdul Qadir | PAK | 1986 | 9 |
| 1st | Ravi Shastri | IND | 1984 | 4 |
