The continental cricket tournament returns on the 31st of August. The Asia Cup will hold extreme importance in the run-up to the ODI World Cup for teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Alongside these five sides, Nepal would be the sixth participant in the tournament. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 wicket-takers from the Asia Cup.
Muttiah Muralidaran: 30 wickets
It is no surprise that the highest wicket in ODIs and Tests is the highest wicket-taker in the Asia Cup. Muralidaran took 30 wickets in 24 matches at a low economy of just 3.75 RPO. His bowling average was just 28.83 while his bowling strike rate was 46.06.
Lasith Malinga: 29 wickets
Lasith Malinga was one of the best bowlers in his playing days in limited-overs cricket. He had a reputation for dishing out inswinging yorkers that were as lethal as they were unusual. Malinga took 29 wickets in just 14 matches falling one wicket short to equal his national teammate. Known for his unusual slinging action, Malinga took three 5-wicket hauls. Malinga bowled at an economy of 4.65 and an average of 20.55 with his bowling strike rate being 26.51.
Ajantha Mendis: 26 wickets
Ajantha Mendis might be the best bowler in the Asia Cup if you look at his numbers. One of the pioneers of mystery spin-bowling, Mendis once ruled limited-overs cricket. Mendis picked up 26 wickets in just 8 matches in the Asia Cup. His bowling economy was just 3.98 RPO but the staggering fact is his bowling average and bowling strike rate. His bowling average was just 10.42 while his bowling strike rate was 15.69. This meant that on average he took a wicket in less than overs.
Saeed Ajmal: 25 wickets
Saeed Ajmal is the first non-Sri Lankan player to feature on this list. Ajmal was one of the best and most feared spinners of his time. He took 25 wickets in 12 matches while bowling at an economy of 4.21 RPO. His bowling average was 19.39 and his strike rate was 27.60.
Chaminda Vaas: 23 wickets
Chaminda Vaas has the most wickets for a pacer in the Asia Cup. The left-arm pacer took 23 wickets while bowling at an economy of 4.19 RPO. His bowling average was 27.78 while his bowling strike rate stood at 39.73.
Irfan Pathan: 22 wickets
Irfan Pathan has the highest for any Indian in the Asia Cup. The fast-bowling all-rounder from India took 22 wickets and is joint sixth on the list. He has a better bowling average and bowling strike rate than Jayasuriya and Razzak who are tied with him with 22 wickets. Pathan took 22 wickets in 12 matches while bowling at an economy of 5.54 RPO. His bowling average was 27.50 while his strike rate was 29.77.
Sanath Jayasuriya: 22 wickets
The highest run-scorer of the Asia Cup is the joint sixth-highest wicket-taker in the multination tournament. Jayasuriya took 22 wickets in 25 matches in Asia Cup while bowling at an economy of 4.48 RPO. His bowling average was 30.31 while his strike rate was 40.59.
Abdur Razzak: 22 wickets
Abdur Razzak has the highest wickets for a Bangladeshi cricketer in the Asia Cup. He took 22 wickets in 18 matches while bowling at an economy of 4.67 RPO. His bowling average was 36.18 while his strike rate was 46.45.
Ravindra Jadeja: 19 wickets
Ravindra Jadeja is tied on 19 wickets with Shakib Al Hasan. Jadeja has a better bowling average and strike rate than Shakib. Jadeja took 19 wickets in 14 matches bowling at an economy of 4.34 RPO. Jadeja will have a chance to overtake Razzak, Jayasuriya and Pathan in the upcoming Asia Cup and can become the highest wicket-taker for India in Asia Cup. His bowling average is 26.57 while his strike rate is 36.68.
Shakib Al Hasan: 19 wickets
Shakib Al Hasan is another active cricketer to feature on this list. Just like Jadeja, Shakib too will have a chance to overtake the like of Pathan and Razzak. Shakib has 19 wickets in 13 matches while bowling at an economy of 4.87. His bowling average is 32.72 while his strike rate is 40.31.
Also Read: Top 5 Super Over performances in the history of cricket
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