Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History – Top Performances & Records
Credit: ICC

Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History – Top Performances & Records

Asia Cup 2025 is underway, and fans are buzzing about iconic bowling performances from the past and present. From Ajantha Mendis's record 6/13 in the 2008 final to Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 5/4 in T20Is, the tournament has delivered legendary spells. With top teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan battling it out, new heroes are emerging. Stay tuned to see who will dominate the stats and rewrite history in the Asia Cup 2025.

Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History: A Look Back and a Look Ahead to 2025

The Asia Cup has always been a showcase of world-class cricket from the top Asian nations, but while batters often steal the spotlight with explosive hitting, it's the bowlers who quietly shift the momentum of games. From iconic spells in ODIs to fiery bursts in T20S, bowlers have delivered unforgettable moments. As the Asia Cup 2025 starting date on September 9 in the UAE, all eyes are on who could become the next great bowling sensation.

Let's rewind to the best bowling performances in the tournament's history — and look forward to the stars emerging in 2025.

Ajantha Mendis: The Record Holder in ODIs Asia Cup

No conversation about the best bowling figures in Asia Cup history is complete without Ajantha Mendis. In the 2008 Asia Cup Final, the Sri Lankan mystery spinner produced an all-time excellent performance. Bowling against a powerful Indian lineup, Mendis picked up an incredible six wickets for just 13 runs in 8 overs, helping Sri Lanka clinch the title.

This spell is still the best bowling performance in Asia Cup ODI history, showcasing his deadly carrom balls and deceptive variations that left batters clueless. Mendis's performance wasn't just skilful — it was game-defining and history-making.

Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup (ODIs Format)

  1. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 6 for 13 vs India, 2008
  2. Mohammed Siraj (India) – 6 for 21 vs Sri Lanka, 2023
  3. Aaqib Javed (Pakistan) – 5 for 19 vs India, 1995
  4. Arshad Ayub (India) – 5 for 21 vs Pakistan, 1988

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: T20I Excellence in Asia Cup

In the Asia Cup's T20I format, India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar holds the record. During the 2022 Asia Cup, Bhuvi ripped through Afghanistan's batting, taking a career-best five wickets for just four runs. With swing and accuracy, he proved how effective pace can be in T20S — especially in pressure moments. It was one of the finest spells ever seen in the shortest format of the Asia Cup.

Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup (T20Is Format)

  1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India) – 5 for 4 vs Afghanistan, 2022
  2. Shadab Khan (Pakistan) – 4 for 8 vs Hong Kong, 2022
  3. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) – 4 for 17 vs Hong Kong, 2016
  4. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 4 for 26 vs UAE, 2026

Asia Cup 2025: Teams, Matches & Points Table Update

This year's Asia Cup 2025 is played in T20I format, featuring 8 top Asian teams across two groups:

Group A: India, Pakistan,Oman, and United Arab Emirates

Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, Sri Lanka

The tournament has just begun, and the Asia Cup 2025 Points Table is wide open. Every team is eyeing a top-two finish in their group to qualify for the Super Four stage. You can track the Asia Cup 2025 matches, live scores, and updated standings on ScoreWaves.

Who's Emerging as the Best Bowler in the Asia Cup 2025?

As always, bowlers are under the spotlight. So far, a few names are already making an impact:

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – The master of spin has started strong, maintaining his reputation as a wicket-taker in any condition.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) – His swing and pace continue to trouble top-order batters, especially in the powerplay.

Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka) – With his slingy action and toe-crushing yorkers, he's shaping up to be a significant threat this season.

Arshdeep Singh (India) – His ability to bowl in death overs with control and swing makes him one of India's top bowling assets in 2025.

With more matches to come, expect a new hero to rise — someone who could match or even surpass the legendary feats of Mendis or Bhuvneshwar.

Final Thoughts

From Ajantha Mendis's magical 6/13 in an ODI final to Bhuvneshwar Kumar's five-for in a T20I, the Asia Cup has seen some breathtaking bowling moments. As the Asia Cup 2025 unfolds, the next big bowling performance might be just a match away.

Whether you're following the Asia Cup 2025 squads, points table, or stats, ScoreWaves is your go-to destination for all the latest updates, insights, and fast live scores.

Also Read: Most Runs in Asia Cup T20 History

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