The Asia Cup has always been a stage where batters rise to the occasion and deliver match-winning performances under pressure. Over the years, both ODI and T20 formats of the Asia Cup have witnessed breathtaking knocks – from marathon innings to explosive hundreds. These high scores not only changed the course of matches but also became iconic moments in Asian cricket history.
In this article, we look at the highest individual scores in Asia Cup history (ODI & T20I), featuring players like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Younis Khan, and Babar Hayat, who lit up the tournament with their exceptional batting.
Highest Individual Score in Asia Cup T20I History
In the shortest format, Virat Kohli once again leads the charts with his unbeaten 122 off 61 balls against Afghanistan* in Dubai during the 2022 Asia Cup. This was Kohli’s first T20I century and came after a long wait, making it a special milestone.
Interestingly, Babar Hayat from Hong Kong also scored 122 runs in the 2016 Asia Cup against Oman, making him one of the very few associate players to feature among the top run-getters in Asia Cup history.
Read Also:- Most Sixes in Asia Cup History (T20 & ODI)
Top 5 Highest Individual Scores – Asia Cup (T20I)
| Rank | Player | Score (Balls) | Opponent | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli (India) | 122* (61) | Afghanistan | 2022 | Dubai |
| 2 | Babar Hayat (Hong Kong) | 122 (60) | Oman | 2016 | Fatullah |
| 3 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) | 84 (45) | Sri Lanka | 2022 | Sharjah |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma (India) | 83 (55) | Bangladesh | 2016 | Mirpur |
| 5 | Sabbir Rahman (Bangladesh) | 80 (54) | Sri Lanka | 2016 | Mirpur |
Why These Innings Matter
- Virat Kohli’s 183 & 122*: Both knocks came under pressure and highlight his unmatched chasing ability and big-match temperament.
- Babar Azam’s 151: Proved why he is among the best ODI players today.
- Babar Hayat’s 122: A rare feat from an associate player that made Asia Cup history.
- Mushfiqur & Rohit Sharma’s knocks: Defined their team’s campaign and set up crucial wins.
Highest Individual Score in Asia Cup ODI History
The record for the highest individual score in Asia Cup ODIs belongs to Virat Kohli, who played a stunning knock of 183 runs off 148 balls against Pakistan in Mirpur during the 2012 edition. This innings is still regarded as one of the best in chase history, as Kohli guided India to a memorable win while chasing 330+.
Other memorable innings include Babar Azam’s brilliant 151 against Nepal in 2023, Younis Khan’s 144 vs Hong Kong, and Mushfiqur Rahim’s fighting 144 vs Sri Lanka in Dubai.
Highest Individual Scores in Asia Cup – ODI Format
In ODIs, Virat Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan in 2012 remains the highest individual score in Asia Cup history. His innings was a masterclass in chasing, helping India chase down a daunting total.
Other notable knocks include Babar Azam’s 151 vs Nepal (2023), which displayed pure class, and Younis Khan’s 144 vs Hong Kong (2004) that powered Pakistan to a mammoth total.
Top 5 Highest Individual Scores – Asia Cup (ODI)
| Rank | Player | Score (Balls) | Opponent | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli (India) | 183 (148) | Pakistan | 2012 | Mirpur |
| 2 | Babar Azam (Pakistan) | 151 (131) | Nepal | 2023 | Multan |
| 3 | Younis Khan (Pakistan) | 144 (122) | Hong Kong | 2004 | Colombo (SSC) |
| 4 | Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh) | 144 (150) | Sri Lanka | 2018 | Dubai |
| 5 | Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) | 143 (127) | India | 2004 | Colombo (RPS) |
Impact of These Innings
- Virat Kohli’s 183 is considered a masterclass in chasing big totals, cementing his status as India’s best ODI chaser.
- Babar Azam’s 151 was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s massive total against Nepal and showcased his class as one of the best modern-day batters.
- Babar Hayat’s 122 is extra special because it came from an associate nation player, proving that talent is not limited to top cricketing countries.
- Mushfiqur Rahim’s 144 was a fighting knock that gave Bangladesh a solid start in the 2018 Asia Cup.
Read Also:- Most Fifties in Asia Cup History (ODI & T20)
The Asia Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s a platform where legends are born. These record-breaking innings are a testament to the skill, temperament, and fighting spirit of the players. Fans eagerly await the next edition to see who will write their name into the history books with another iconic knock.
