The Asia Cup 2023 will be remembered by cricket fans for two significant reasons. First, there were persistent rain interruptions due to wet weather conditions throughout the tournament. Second, amidst these challenges, we witnessed some standout performances during the matches.
One noteworthy instance took place in the final held at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Mohammed Siraj, who had a relatively quiet tournament leading up to the final, suddenly made a significant impact. His exceptional performance in the final played a crucial role in India winning the trophy.
Similarly, Dunith Wellalage made quite an impression during a match against India in the Super Four round. He excelled with both the ball and the bat, coming close to securing victory for Sri Lanka. If things had turned out differently, it could have changed the entire tournament’s dynamics.
In the Asia Cup 2023 final, Team India secured a resounding victory by defeating Sri Lanka with a convincing 10-wicket margin. The turning point of the match was Mohammed Siraj’s exceptional performance, where he took six wickets during his seven-over spell, effectively limiting Sri Lanka to a mere total of 50 runs.
India’s response with the bat was equally impressive. Openers Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill showcased outstanding batting skills. Ishan Kishan remained unbeaten with 23 runs off 18 balls, while Shubman Gill contributed a commendable 27 runs off 19 balls. Their partnership enabled India to effortlessly chase down the 51-run target in just 6.1 overs, without losing a single wicket.
As the tournament concludes, it’s worth acknowledging the standout performers who consistently delivered match-winning performances. These players have demonstrated their skill and determination, making them strong candidates for the best possible playing XI. Let’s take a closer look at the eleven individuals who have made a lasting impact in this edition of the Asia Cup.
HERE IS THE FINEST XI FROM THE ASIA CUP 2023:
Rohit Sharma (India) – Captain:
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma delivered a stellar performance throughout the Asia Cup 2023, particularly with the bat. With the exception of his initial and final innings in the tournament, Rohit consistently displayed a formidable touch, notching up an impressive sequence of three consecutive half-centuries. What’s more, this Asia Cup held significant personal milestones for him. During the tournament, he achieved the distinction of becoming the sixth Indian batsman to amass over 10,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the eighth Indian to reach the milestone of 50 half-centuries in ODI Cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s total contribution to the tournament amounted to an impressive 194 runs across five innings, a pivotal factor in guiding India to a historic seventh ODI Asia Cup title. His leadership and batting prowess were undoubtedly instrumental in India’s triumph.
Shubman Gill (India):
Among the Indian opening duo that set the stage on fire in the Asia Cup 2023, Shubman Gill emerged as the standout performer, finishing the tournament as the highest run-scorer. Gill’s exceptional form saw him amass a total of 302 runs, marked by two impressive half-centuries and a century that he notched against Bangladesh. His innings against Bangladesh, in particular, will be etched in cricketing memory for years to come, as he stood as a lone warrior in a daunting chase of 266 runs during the Super 4 round.
Shubman Gill’s remarkable contributions have earned him a well-deserved place alongside his fellow Indian opener, Rohit Sharma, in this playing XI. His stellar performances played a significant role in India’s journey to clinching the Asia Cup title.
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka):
In the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka found their most dependable match-winner in the form of Kusal Mendis, who occupied the crucial number 3 spot in their batting lineup. Mendis’s outstanding contributions, highlighted by three impressive half-centuries, including two scores beyond the 90-run mark, played a pivotal role in propelling Sri Lanka to the tournament final.
One of his standout performances came in the form of a resilient 91-run innings against Pakistan, where he demonstrated his ability to thrive in challenging circumstances. Moreover, Mendis didn’t falter even in the high-pressure final, finishing as Sri Lanka’s top-scorer with a valiant effort, despite the entire team being dismissed for a mere 50 runs.
Kusal Mendis concluded the tournament with a total of 270 runs in six innings, securing the second position in the list of leading run-scorers. His consistent and impactful displays were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s journey to the Asia Cup final.
Sadeera Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka):
Sri Lanka has unearthed a promising talent in the form of Sadeera Samarawickrama, whose resurgence has added significant value to the Sri Lankan lineup. Since his return to the team, Samarawickrama has consistently demonstrated his cricketing prowess. In the Asia Cup 2023, he made a substantial impact, amassing a total of 215 runs across six innings, a performance that earned him the distinction of being the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Samarawickrama assumed a crucial role as the number 4 batsman for Sri Lanka, providing them with a stable and dependable option in the middle order. His ability to forge meaningful partnerships proved pivotal in bolstering his team’s overall performance throughout the tournament. Sadeera Samarawickrama’s contributions have firmly established him as a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket.
Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – Wicketkeeper:
Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Rizwan, delivered a stellar performance in the Asia Cup 2023, boasting an outstanding batting average of 97.50 across the four innings he played. Often referred to as the crisis man for Pakistan, Rizwan played pivotal roles in rescuing his team on two critical occasions during the tournament.
Firstly, in a match against Nepal, when Pakistan found themselves in dire straits after losing early wickets, Rizwan stepped up to the plate and stabilized the innings. Then, against Sri Lanka, when Pakistan was struggling at 130 for the loss of five wickets, Rizwan’s remarkable 86-run innings provided his team with a competitive total to defend.
In total, Mohammad Rizwan accumulated 195 runs in four innings during the tournament. His ability to thrive under pressure and deliver crucial performances solidified his reputation as a dependable asset for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023.
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh):
Shakib Al Hasan, the versatile all-rounder from Bangladesh, left a significant mark on the Asia Cup 2023 with his dynamic contributions. His standout performance came in the form of an impressive 80-run innings against the reigning champions, India, which played a pivotal role in securing victory for Bangladesh. Shakib’s resilient innings against India provided his team with a much-needed respite during the game.
Furthermore, he displayed his batting prowess once again with a magnificent fighting knock of 53 runs against Pakistan. In the bowling department, Shakib maintained a tight line and contributed by taking three crucial wickets throughout the tournament. His all-round efforts proved instrumental in Bangladesh’s triumph over Afghanistan and India, underlining his importance as a key player for the team.
Hardik Pandya (India):
The emergence of Hardik Pandya as a crucial pillar of the Indian cricket team has been a noteworthy development. He has shouldered the dual responsibility of being an extra pacer in the bowling department while making valuable contributions with the bat in the lower order. Pandya’s performance in the Asia Cup 2023 exemplified his pivotal role within the team.
One of his standout moments in the tournament came during a high-pressure situation against Pakistan, where he played a magnificent innings, amassing 87 runs and guiding India through a crisis. Notably, he also made significant contributions with the ball, securing a total of six wickets throughout the tournament at an impressive strike rate of 20.33 across five innings. His remarkable performance was highlighted by a crucial 3/3 spell in the final, further cementing his reputation as a match-winner for India.
Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka):
Dunith Wellalage emerged as the shining star of Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023, leaving a lasting impact with his magical performances. The clash between India and Sri Lanka in the Super 4 round largely revolved around his exceptional skills. Wellalage exhibited his mastery over spin bowling by dismantling some of the best players in the world, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, in three consecutive overs, ultimately claiming a remarkable five wickets in that match.
Not content with his bowling prowess alone, Wellalage also displayed his batting mettle during the chase of India’s modest total, contributing a valiant 42-run knock. Sri Lanka seems to have unearthed a star with immense potential in Dunith Wellalage, suggesting a bright future for Sri Lankan cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav (India):
Kuldeep Yadav’s transformation as a bowler has been nothing short of remarkable, making him one of the most improved players in the world today. Once considered a doubtful prospect in various formats, he has now assumed the crucial role of being India’s sole front-line spinner. Kuldeep’s resurgence was evident in his exceptional performances during the Asia Cup 2023, where he played a pivotal part in India’s campaign.
His standout moments came in the Super 4 round against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, earning him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award. Against Pakistan, he claimed an impressive five-wicket haul, while against Sri Lanka, he picked up four crucial wickets. In total, Kuldeep Yadav accounted for nine wickets throughout the tournament. His resurgence and impact in key matches underscore his significance in the Indian cricket team.
Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka):
Dubbed as “Slinga Malinga Version 2.0,” Matheesha Pathirana lived up to the billing in the Asia Cup 2023, proving to be an invaluable asset to his team. Pathirana’s impressive tally of 11 wickets in six games earned him the distinction of being the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. His exceptional form bodes well for Sri Lanka as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, where his skills are sure to be in high demand.
Pathirana’s excellence wasn’t confined to international cricket alone; he also made significant contributions while representing the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023. During the Asia Cup, he delivered two memorable bowling performances against Bangladesh and Pakistan, further establishing himself as a potent force with the ball. Matheesha Pathirana’s remarkable consistency and impact make him a player to watch in Sri Lankan cricket and on the global stage.
Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh):
Taskin Ahmed, the shining star among Bangladesh’s pacers, delivered an impressive performance in the Asia Cup 2023, although he often found himself lacking an experienced partner at the other end of the bowling attack. While Shoriful Islam displayed moments of brilliance, his inconsistency posed challenges for the team.
Taskin Ahmed, on the other hand, maintained a magnificent rhythm throughout the tournament. In the four games he played, he was instrumental in securing nine crucial wickets for his team. Notably, his standout performance included a remarkable haul of four wickets against Afghanistan. Taskin’s consistency and ability to lead the pace attack were key factors in Bangladesh’s bowling efforts during the Asia Cup.
PLAYERS WITH THE MOST RUNS IN THE 2023 ASIA CUP
As the Asia Cup 2023 reaches its conclusion, we now have a definitive list of the tournament’s leading run-scorers. Topping the charts is Shubman Gill, who has displayed exceptional form by accumulating a remarkable total of 302 runs. Gill’s consistency was evident through the tournament, where he notched up two half-centuries and a memorable century. His ability to provide solid starts for the Indian team was a key asset, and his outstanding innings of 121 under pressure against Bangladesh during the Super Four stage will be etched in cricketing memory for years to come.
Following closely behind is Sri Lankan wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis, who concluded the tournament with a commendable 270 runs to his name. Mendis’s contributions were pivotal for his team throughout the Asia Cup 2023, as he consistently delivered significant performances to aid their campaign.
Sadeera Samarwickrama holds the third position on the list, having notched up a total of 215 runs in five innings during the Asia Cup 2023. He is a consistent run-scorer, boasting two half-centuries in the tournament, which highlights his ability to consistently contribute with the bat.
Babar Azam secured the fourth spot with a total of 207 runs in four innings. His standout performance came in the tournament opener when he scored an impressive 151 runs, which remains the highest individual score in the tournament thus far. Babar Azam’s consistent batting form makes him a vital asset for the Pakistan team.
Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammed Rizwan, finishes fifth on the list with 195 runs to his name. Rizwan’s contributions with the bat have been noteworthy, and his performances have been instrumental in Pakistan’s campaign in the Asia Cup 2023.
Top 5 leading Runs-scorer in the Asia Cup 2023.
1. Shubman Gill (India) – 302 Runs
2. Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 270 Runs
3. Sadeera Samarwickrama (Sri Lanka) – 215 Runs
4. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 207 Runs
5. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – 195 Runs
PLAYERS WITH THE MOST WICKETS IN THE 2023 ASIA CUP
Matheesha Pathirana of Sri Lanka has claimed the title of the leading wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2023, having secured a remarkable total of 11 wickets throughout the tournament. His ability to provide crucial breakthroughs for his team whenever needed was a key factor in Sri Lanka’s campaign.
India’s Mohammed Siraj, although entering the list later, made a significant impact with an exceptional spell that yielded six wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 finals. His impressive performance saw him conclude the tournament with a total of 10 wickets.
Dunith Wellalage, a promising talent, secured the third position among the leading wicket-takers, also with 10 wickets. His contributions with both bat and ball showcased his versatility and importance to the team’s efforts.
Left-arm pacer from Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, holds the fourth position on the list with an impressive tally of 10 wickets. His consistent bowling performances were a valuable asset for Pakistan throughout the tournament.
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav rounds off the top five in the list, having taken a total of 9 wickets. Kuldeep’s skills with the ball played a vital role in India’s success in the Asia Cup 2023.
Top 5 leading wicket-takers in the Asia Cup 2023
1. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka) – 11 Wickets
2. Mohammed Siraj (India) – 10 Wickets
3. Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka) – 10 Wickets
4. Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) – 10 Wickets
5. Kuldeep Yadav (India) – 9 Wickets
THE ASIA CUP 2023 AWARD WINNERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Man of the Match: Mohammed Siraj (for his exceptional spell of 6-21).
Player of the Tournament: Kuldeep Yadav (for his impressive performance, securing a total of 9 wickets).
Best Catch Award: Ravindra Jadeja (for his remarkable catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka).