The Asia Cup, a tournament of prestige where the best cricketing ability on the continent is displayed, has been a war zone for some of the strongest batters in the world. Though the competition has a great history when it comes to the ODI version, its T20 version has become a testing ground for daring hitting and strategic masterminds.
In this, we look at the records and honor the top five highest run-scorers in the history of Asia Cup T20:
Virat Kohli (India)
No surprise to find the “King” at the top of this list. Virat Kohli’s record in Asia Cup T20 speaks volumes about his matchless class and consistency. He tops the charts with 429 runs from only 10 matches, with an incredible average of 85.80.
His tournament-best score of 122 not out off Afghanistan in the 2022 edition was a T20 batting masterclass, demonstrating his skill to stabilize an innings while still delivering a scorching strike rate. Kohli’s performance under pressure cements his status as a big-match performer.
Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s ever-reliable wicketkeeper-batters, Mohammad Rizwan, occupies the second spot. With 281 runs in just 6 matches, he has proven to be a lynchpin of the Pakistani batting lineup. His ability to build an innings and accelerate when needed has been crucial for his team.
Rizwan’s strong performance in the 2022 Asia Cup, where he was the leading run-scorer of the tournament, cemented his place as one of the most dependable openers in the T20 format.
Rohit Sharma (India)
Preferring an artless hitting style and explosive beginnings, Rohit Sharma is a constant menace to open the innings. The Indian captain is third with 271 runs in 9 matches.
His strike rate of more than 140 indicates his aggressive approach and his ability to give blazing, effecting starts. Rohit’s clean hitting has been an overriding factor in India’s dominant show in the T20 Asia Cup.
Babar Hayat (Hong Kong)
A source of inspiration for the associate nations, Babar Hayat from Hong Kong is ranked fourth in this list. With 235 runs in 5 innings, he has carved a niche for himself on the international platform.
His aggressive style of cricket and a century against Oman in the qualifier match in 2016 proved that players from small cricketing nations can also match the best. Hayat’s presence on this list is a testament to his abilities and competitive nature of the Asia Cup.
Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Finishing fifth in the top five is Afghanistan’s emerging star, Ibrahim Zadran. The young right-hand batsman has impressed with his technique and composure, accumulating 196 runs in 5 games.
His performances during the 2022 installment, where he was an integral part of his team, showcased the improvement of Afghan cricket and their emerging batting strength. Zadran’s impressive average of 65.33 indicates a promising future for this upcoming batters.