The Asia Cup has been a stage for some of the finest bowling performances in cricket history. While batters often dominate headlines, bowlers have played match-winning roles across both ODI and T20I formats. From Muttiah Muralitharan’s spin wizardry to Lasith Malinga’s lethal yorkers and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing, the Asia Cup has witnessed bowlers who turned matches on their heads.
This article covers everything about the most wickets in Asia Cup history, including ODI and T20I records, best bowling figures, and key insights into the greatest performers. The 2025 edition added new names like Kuldeep Yadav, Shaheen Afridi, and Mustafizur Rahman to the list of standout bowlers.
Most Wickets in Asia Cup – Combined (ODI + T20I)
Rank | Player | Country | ODIs (Wkts) | T20Is (Wkts) | Total Wickets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 29 | 4 | 33 |
2 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 30 | 0 | 30 |
3 | Ravindra Jadeja | India | 25 | 4 | 29 |
4 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 22 | 6 | 28 |
5 | Ajantha Mendis | Sri Lanka | 26 | 0 | 26 |
6 | Saeed Ajmal | Pakistan | 25 | 0 | 25 |
7 | Kuldeep Yadav | India | – | 14* | 14* |
8 | Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | – | 9* | 9* |
Key Insight:
Malinga leads the overall list with 33 wickets across formats, including a record three five-wicket hauls. From the latest 2025 edition, Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler with multiple 3 and 4 wicket hauls that proved decisive for India.
Most Wickets in Asia Cup (ODI)
Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling | 5-Wkt Hauls |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 24 | 30 | 28.83 | 5/31 | 1 |
2 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 14 | 29 | 20.55 | 5/34 | 3 |
3 | Ajantha Mendis | Sri Lanka | 8 | 26 | 10.42 | 6/13 | 2 |
4 | Saeed Ajmal | Pakistan | 12 | 25 | 19.40 | 3/26 | 0 |
5 | Ravindra Jadeja | India | 20 | 25 | 26.28 | 4/29 | 0 |
Special Mention:
Ajantha Mendis still holds the best bowling figures in Asia Cup history with his magical 6/13 vs India in 2008 final. In recent times, Mohammed Siraj’s 6/21 in 2023 final and Kuldeep Yadav’s 4-wicket hauls in 2025 are the latest highlights.
Read also : – Most Runs in Asia Cup One Season
Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup ODIs
Player | Figures | Opponent | Venue | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ajantha Mendis (SL) | 6/13 | India | Karachi | 2008 |
Mohammed Siraj (IND) | 6/21 | Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | 2023 (Final) |
Kuldeep Yadav (IND) | 4/7 | UAE | Dubai | 2025 |
Aaqib Javed (PAK) | 5/19 | India | Sharjah | 1995 |
Most Wickets in Asia Cup (T20I) History
Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Best Bowling |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | India | 6 | 13 | 5.34 | 5/4 |
2 | Kuldeep Yadav | India | 7 | 14* | 5.50 | 4/7 |
3 | Amjad Javed | UAE | 7 | 12 | 7.34 | 3/25 |
4 | Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | 7 | 9* | 6.25 | 3/17 |
5 | Mustafizur Rahman | Bangladesh | 6 | 8* | 6.75 | 3/20 |
Key Highlights (2025 Update):
- Kuldeep Yadav was the best bowler in Asia Cup 2025 with 14 wickets, including a brilliant 4/7 vs UAE.
- Shaheen Afridi delivered crucial spells for Pakistan, including 3/17 vs Bangladesh.
- Mustafizur Rahman maintained consistency with key 3-wicket hauls.
Insights
- Most Wickets in a Single Edition: Ajantha Mendis (17 wickets in 2008 Asia Cup, ODI) – still unbeaten.
- Top Bowler of 2025: Kuldeep Yadav (14 wickets in T20I format).
- Most Five-Wicket Hauls: Lasith Malinga (3).
- Best Economy (T20 Asia Cup): Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5.34.
Read more: Most Runs in Asia Cup
Conclusion
The Asia Cup has been a paradise for bowlers who thrive under pressure. Legends like Muralitharan and Malinga dominated the ODI editions, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav have set benchmarks in T20Is. The 2025 edition once again showed how quality bowling can change matches, with Kuldeep Yadav emerging as the standout star.