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The Asia Cup has long been a stage for cricketing brilliance in the subcontinent. Since its inception in 1984, the tournament has showcased legendary batters who rose above pressure and delivered match-winning performances. Whether it’s a nerve-wracking chase or a run-fest on flat pitches, these cricketers etched their names in history by scoring the most runs in Asia Cup tournaments.
In this article, we highlight the Top 10 Highest Run Scorers in Asia Cup History, their stats, milestones, and unforgettable knocks that made the difference for their countries.
Top 10 Highest Run Scorers in Asia Cup History
1. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
- Matches: 25
- Runs: 1220
- Average: 53.04
- Hundreds/Fifties: 6/3
- Highest Score: 130
Why He’s No.1:
Jayasuriya was the heartbeat of Sri Lanka’s batting in the Asia Cup. His aggressive style revolutionized opening partnerships and made him the highest run scorer in Asia Cup history.
2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
- Matches: 24
- Runs: 1075
- Average: 48.86
- Hundreds/Fifties: 4/8
- Highest Score: 121
Elegant and consistent, Sangakkara was the engine of Sri Lanka’s top order. He delivered crucial runs in both ODIs and T20 editions.
3. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
- Matches: 23
- Runs: 971
- Average: 51.10
- Hundreds/Fifties: 2/7
- Highest Score: 114
The Master Blaster never missed a chance to shine in the Asia Cup. His ability to score runs in pressure matches makes him a tournament legend.
4. Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)
- Matches: 17
- Runs: 786
- Average: 65.50
- Hundreds/Fifties: 3/3
- Highest Score: 143*
A true Asia Cup specialist, Malik’s strike rate and consistency in big games remain unmatched for Pakistan.
5. Rohit Sharma (India)
- Matches: 22
- Runs: 745
- Average: 46.56
- Hundreds/Fifties: 1/6
- Highest Score: 111*
Rohit’s calm temperament and match awareness have helped India dominate recent editions of the Asia Cup.
6. Virat Kohli (India)
- Matches: 16
- Runs: 613
- Average: 61.30
- Hundreds/Fifties: 3/1
- Highest Score: 183
His legendary 183 vs Pakistan is still the highest individual score in Asia Cup history. A modern-day giant of the game.
7. Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka)
- Matches: 19
- Runs: 741
- Average: 57.00
- Hundreds/Fifties: 1/6
- Highest Score: 131*
The former Sri Lankan captain was a master of rotating strike and playing the situation.
8. Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)
- Matches: 21
- Runs: 699
- Average: 38.83
- Hundreds/Fifties: 1/5
- Highest Score: 144
One of Bangladesh’s most consistent performers. Rahim’s explosive 144 is among the best Asia Cup innings ever.
9. MS Dhoni (India)
- Matches: 19
- Runs: 648
- Average: 64.80
- Hundreds/Fifties: 1/3
- Highest Score: 109*
Captain Cool showed his calmness and finishing skills multiple times, especially under pressure.
10. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)
- Matches: 28
- Runs: 674
- Average: 29.30
- Hundreds/Fifties: 1/6
- Highest Score: 107
A stylish stroke player, Jayawardene played many match-winning cameos in Asia Cup finals and semis.
Highest Run Scorers in Asia Cup History!
| Rank | Player | Country | Runs | Avg. | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 1220 | 53.04 | 6 | 3 | 130 |
| 2 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 1075 | 48.86 | 4 | 8 | 121 |
| 3 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 971 | 51.10 | 2 | 7 | 114 |
| 4 | Shoaib Malik | Pakistan | 786 | 65.50 | 3 | 3 | 143* |
| 5 | Rohit Sharma | India | 745 | 46.56 | 1 | 6 | 111* |
| 6 | Virat Kohli | India | 613 | 61.30 | 3 | 1 | 183 |
| 7 | Arjuna Ranatunga | Sri Lanka | 741 | 57.00 | 1 | 6 | 131* |
| 8 | Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 699 | 38.83 | 1 | 5 | 144 |
| 9 | MS Dhoni | India | 648 | 64.80 | 1 | 3 | 109* |
| 10 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 674 | 29.30 | 1 | 6 | 107 |
What Makes These Batsmen Stand Out?
- Consistency Across Editions
- Performing in Knockouts & Finals
- Scoring Big Under Pressure
- Longevity in the Format
- Ability to Adapt to Spin/Seam Conditions
These highest run scorers in Asia Cup history were not just good batters — they were match-winners who anchored their team’s journey to the finals.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup has gifted us countless cricketing memories, but few things are as memorable as a batsman standing tall and delivering when it matters most. These highest run scorers in Asia Cup history have written their names in gold, becoming legends not just for their countries but for the game itself.
Their consistency, hunger for runs, and ability to perform under pressure is what sets them apart. As the Asia Cup continues to grow in popularity, fans eagerly await the next name to break into this elite list.
FAQ – Highest Run Scorers in Asia Cup History!
Q1: Who is the highest run scorer in Asia Cup history?
Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record with 1220 runs across Asia Cup editions.
Q2: Which Indian batsman has the most runs in Asia Cup?
Sachin Tendulkar with 971 runs, followed closely by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Q3: Who scored the highest individual score in Asia Cup history?
Virat Kohli’s 183 vs Pakistan (2012) is the highest individual score.