Most runs in Asia Cup

The subcontinent nations have produced some of the best batters to have played the game over the years, who dominated the cricketing world for a number of years. The subcontinent’s premier tournament, Asia Cup, since its inception in 1984, has also witnessed the exploits of some of the most supremely talented batters, and with the 2022 edition less than a fortnight away, we list the most prolific batters’ in the competitions glorious history.

3. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 971 runs

Regarded as the ‘God of cricket in India, Sachin Tendulkar was often the lone warrior for the Indian team during his illustrious playing career. Sachin starred in two consecutive Asia Cup wins with scores of 53 and 41 in 1991 and 1995, respectively. The master blaster amassed 971 runs in 23 matches, registering two centuries and seven half centuries in the tournament’s history.

2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 1075 runs

Sri Lankan batting legend Kumar Sangakkara takes the second spot in this esteemed list, amassing 1075 runs in 24 matches with four centuries and eight half centuries to his name. The former Sri Lankan skipper formed a formidable partnership with compatriot Mahela Jayawardene in the middle order and was quite often the team’s savior in hostile conditions. Apart from being the second leading run-scorer, he has also registered the second highest number of centuries in the tournament’s history.

1. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 1220 runs

Sangakkara’s senior pro and compatriot Sanath Jayasuriya takes the cake when it comes to scoring runs in the Asia Cup as he is the leading run-scorer in the history of the competition with 1220 runs to his name in 25 outings for the Sri Lankan team. The fearless southpaw also holds the record of scoring the most centuries, six, in the tournament. He was never one to shy away from a challenge, and his stellar 125 in the 2008 final will go down as one of the finest innings in the competition’s history.