Top 10 most wicket-takers in Asia Cup history (Updated as of 2025)

The Asia Cup has always been a battleground for the best teams in the subcontinent, producing some of the finest performances in world cricket. While batters often grab headlines with explosive innings, it is the bowlers who shape the course of the tournament by applying pressure, delivering breakthroughs, and turning matches on their heads. Over the years, several legendary bowlers have etched their names in history by dominating opposition line-ups consistently in this prestigious event.

From world-class spinners weaving magic to lethal fast bowlers destroying stumps, the Asia Cup has witnessed bowlers from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh rise to the occasion. Their wicket-taking ability has not only secured victories for their teams but also made them icons of the tournament. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 most successful wicket-takers in Asia Cup history, highlighting their contributions and impact.

Top 10 most wicket-takers in Asia Cup history

10. Shakib Al Hasan – 22 wickets

Shakib Al Hasan, arguably Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, has been a consistent performer with both bat and ball in the Asia Cup. With 22 wickets in 18 matches, his left-arm spin has troubled even the best in the business. Shakib’s variations, coupled with his tactical awareness, make him a complete bowler in limited-overs cricket.

Apart from his wicket-taking ability, Shakib’s economy rate has often kept Bangladesh in the game. His performances in high-pressure situations underline his importance as an all-rounder, making him not just one of Bangladesh’s finest but also a true Asia Cup great.

9. Abdur Razzak – 22 wickets

Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak made a name for himself as one of the country’s most reliable bowlers in the Asia Cup. With 22 wickets in 18 matches, Razzak often carried the responsibility of leading Bangladesh’s spin attack against stronger opposition.

His ability to bowl tight spells while picking up wickets gave Bangladesh competitive chances in several games. Although his team did not always end up on the winning side, Razzak’s consistency made him one of Bangladesh’s standout performers in Asia Cup history.

8. Sanath Jayasuriya – 22 wickets

While Sanath Jayasuriya is remembered primarily as a destructive opener, his contributions with the ball in the Asia Cup were equally significant. With 22 wickets, his left-arm spin provided Sri Lanka with crucial breakthroughs, often breaking partnerships in the middle overs.

Jayasuriya’s all-round value was unmatched, as he often delivered economical spells that complemented his explosive batting. His ability to contribute in all facets of the game made him one of the most influential figures in Asia Cup history, lifting Sri Lanka to multiple title wins.

7. Irfan Pathan – 22 wickets

Irfan Pathan, one of India’s most skillful swing bowlers, made a huge impact in the Asia Cup with 22 wickets in just 12 matches. His ability to swing the ball both in and out at pace troubled many top-order batters. Pathan often gave India crucial early breakthroughs, setting the tone for his side.

Beyond the new ball, Pathan’s clever use of slower deliveries and yorkers at the death made him an all-round threat. His match-winning spells were instrumental in India’s victories, and his Asia Cup performances remain a highlight of his international career.

6. Chaminda Vaas – 23 wickets

Chaminda Vaas, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest seamers, made his mark in the Asia Cup with 23 wickets in 19 matches. Renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Vaas was particularly lethal with the new ball, giving Sri Lanka early breakthroughs against strong batting sides.

His discipline and accuracy made him a difficult bowler to attack, ensuring he maintained pressure throughout his spells. Vaas’s contributions were vital in Sri Lanka’s dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s, where his partnership with spinners created a balanced and dangerous bowling attack.

5. Ravindra Jadeja – 25 wickets

India’s Ravindra Jadeja has been one of the most reliable all-rounders in modern cricket, and his Asia Cup record as a bowler is outstanding. With 25 wickets to his name, Jadeja’s left-arm spin has proved effective in restricting runs while taking key wickets in the middle overs.

Jadeja’s strength lies in his accuracy and ability to exploit even the slightest assistance from the pitch. He has been a consistent performer for India across different editions of the Asia Cup, often providing breakthroughs at crucial stages. His dual role as a fielder and lower-order batter further amplified his value to the Indian team.

4. Saeed Ajmal – 25 wickets

Pakistan’s spin maestro Saeed Ajmal was a master of deception, and he showcased his craft brilliantly in the Asia Cup. With 25 wickets in just 12 matches, Ajmal became a key weapon for Pakistan, using his doosra and subtle variations to outfox some of the best batters in Asia.

Ajmal’s impact extended beyond the wickets he took; he consistently created pressure that often led to collapses. His control in the middle overs gave Pakistan crucial momentum, especially in high-stakes matches against India and Sri Lanka, where his spells often turned the tide in his team’s favor.

3. Ajantha Mendis – 26 wickets

Ajantha Mendis might have had a short-lived international career, but his impact in the Asia Cup was monumental. With 26 wickets in only 8 matches, Mendis was almost unplayable at his peak. His mysterious variations, particularly the “carrom ball,” left batters guessing and struggling to survive.

One of his most memorable performances came in the 2008 Asia Cup final, where he took six wickets against India to single-handedly seal the title for Sri Lanka. That spell is still remembered as one of the greatest bowling performances in the tournament’s history, cementing his name in Asia Cup folklore.

2. Lasith Malinga – 29 wickets

Lasith Malinga’s slinging action and deadly yorkers made him one of the most feared bowlers in Asia Cup history. With 29 wickets in just 14 matches, his strike rate and match-winning spells stand out as some of the finest the tournament has seen. His ability to dismantle batting line-ups with both the new ball and at the death was unparalleled.

Malinga’s highlight came in 2018 when he produced match-defining spells despite returning from injury, showing his undiminished hunger for wickets. His consistency across editions cemented his reputation as Sri Lanka’s go-to bowler, capable of changing the course of a game within a few overs.

1. Muttiah Muralitharan – 30 wickets

Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka’s spin wizard, holds the record for the most wickets in Asia Cup history with 30 dismissals across 24 matches. Known for his unplayable off-spin and variations, Murali constantly troubled batters with his guile and accuracy. His ability to choke runs while simultaneously picking wickets made him one of the most reliable match-winners for Sri Lanka.

Muralitharan’s dominance in the Asia Cup is a reflection of his overall brilliance in subcontinent conditions. He often delivered breakthroughs in crunch moments, ensuring Sri Lanka remained a dominant force in the competition. His performances not only helped his team reach multiple finals but also inspired future generations of Sri Lankan spinners.