The Asia Cup has always been a platform where Asia’s best captains have shown their mettle. Leading a team in this tournament requires smart tactics and great plays when it matters. Let’s check out the captains who have played the most Asia Cup matches, their best moments and the key plays that turned the game.
Most Matches As Captain in T20 Asia Cup:
| Player | Span | Mat | Won | Lost | %W | %L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amjad Javed (UAE) | 2016-2016 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 42.85 | 57.14 |
| Babar Azam (PAK) | 2022-2022 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 50.00 | 50.00 |
| MD Shanaka (SL) | 2022-2022 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 83.33 | 16.66 |
| MS Dhoni (IND) | 2016-2016 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 100.00 | – |
| Mashrafe Mortaza (BAN) | 2016-2016 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 60.00 | 40.00 |
| Mohammad Nabi (AFG) | 2022-2022 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 40.00 | 60.00 |
| Shahid Afridi (PAK) | 2016-2016 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 50.00 | 50.00 |
| RG Sharma (IND) | 2022-2022 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 50.00 | 50.00 |
| Asghar Afghan (AFG) | 2016-2016 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 66.66 | 33.33 |
| Sultan Ahmed (OMA) | 2016-2016 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 33.33 | 66.66 |
1. Amjad Javed (UAE)
Captaincy Record: 7 matches in 2016 Asia Cup
Key Play: Took 4 wickets against Pakistan in the group stage, with an economy rate of just 6.2. His bowling (3/35 in 10 overs) was the reason behind holding back a strong batting line up.
Defining Moment: During the India game, Amjad almost pulled off a surprise win with a quick 30 off 25 balls, showing his never give up spirit.
2. Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Captaincy Record: 6 matches in 2022 Asia Cup
Key Play: Scored 141 runs at an average of 50.00, with a match winning 70\* against Bangladesh, keeping the innings steady under pressure.
Defining Moment: Against India in the Super Four, Babar’s 65\* guided Pakistan to chase down a tough score. His calm leadership was evident in those tight moments.
3. Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)
Captaincy Record: 6 matches in 2022 Asia Cup
Key Play: Scored 150 runs with a strike rate over 120, like a quick 55 off 30 balls against Afghanistan. He also took 5 wickets, including 3/28 in a must win game against Bangladesh.
Defining Moment: Against Bangladesh, Shanaka’s late hitting and key wickets helped Sri Lanka win a crucial game and shift the group standings.
4. MS Dhoni (India)
Captaincy Record: 5 matches in 2016 Asia Cup (Champions)
Key Play: Scored 139 runs at an average of 46.33, with a match winning 45\* in the final against Bangladesh.Defining Moment: Dhoni’s calmness was evident in the final as he guided India through a nervy chase, ending with 45\* off 32 balls and a final ball six, winning India their 7th Asia Cup.
5. Mashrafe Mortaza (Bangladesh)
Key Play: Took 7 wickets, with best figures of 4/38 against Sri Lanka.
Defining Moment: In the Super Four match against India, Mashrafe’s tight bowling slowed down India’s scoring, kept Bangladesh in the game. His leadership was praised for building confidence in the team, setting Bangladesh up to challenge in the Asia Cup.
6. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
Key Play: Scored 60 runs and took 6 wickets, like a key spell of 2/24 against Pakistan, kept Afghanistan in the game.
Defining Moment: Nabi’s all round performance against Sri Lanka, where he scored 28 and took 3 wickets, almost won the game for Afghanistan.
