All-time best playing XI from the ODI Asia Cup history

The buzz around the Asia Cup 2023 is slowly starting to increase as the Asian giants are all gearing up for the tournament and this will serve as a perfect training ground for the ODI World Cup 2023. On August 30, the host nation Pakistan will play in the opening match of the 2023 tournament against Nepal at Multan Cricket Stadium. While the Nepal team has been playing well recently on the international stage, the runners-up from the previous Asia Cup will be eager to get off to a strong start in the competition.

But over the years, the fans have been treated with some brilliant performances by some of the greats of the game. Let us now look at the all-time best playing XI from the ODI Asia Cup history:

Top Order batting

The selection of top order batting pairs all the time is certainly a difficult task as there have been some of the legendary players who have opened the batting as well as played in the top order for their respective nations. But Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya are among the openers who impressed one and all throughout their career.

Tendulkar is arguably one of the best batters who has ever played the game of cricket, along with Sanath Jayasuriya, who had performed on a consistent basis for the Sri Lankan team. Both players have scored more than 10,000 runs in international cricket. The number three would be unanimously going to Virat Kohli, yet another player who has scored more than 10,000 runs in International ODI cricket. The run machine is arguably the modern era great and has scored truckloads of runs to earn in spot.  

Middle Order 

In the middle order, solidity would be provided by the number four batter in the lineup and it is another legendary Sri Lankan batter, Kumar Sangakkara. The wicketkeeper-batter had played pivotal in the Sri Lankan dominance in the 50-over cricket. Along with that, number five position would be Bangladesh legendary all-rounder, Shakib al Hasan. Arguably, Shakib is among the best-ever all-rounders that has come out of Asia. The Bangladesh great can also chip in with crucial overs in the middle, which is helpful for the team. 

The number six position will be given to the wicketkeeper. Hence, undoubtedly MS Dhoni is the first-choice wicketkeeper and will also be leading the team. Over the years, Dhoni has impressed everyone with his batting as well as captaincy, and hence he is the ideal option at number six. Also, with his destructive batting the former Indian legend can turn the tides anytime he wants.

All-rounders and bowlers

The numbers seven and eight will be given to dedicated all-rounders who will provide the team with a legitimate balance to the team. Hence, the number seven position will be Yuvraj Singh followed by Abdul Razzaq. These two qualities of all-rounders will provide the team with great balance with their exceptional batting and bowling skills. 

The numbers nine and ten will be Lasith Malinga and Zaheer Khan, who will also bowl with the new ball as well in death. Malinga, in the death, is the most lethal option and every team wants someone like him. While on the other hand, Zaheer would be exceptional with the new ball and later on chip in with ball reverses.

The number 11 spot is reserved for a spinner, and who other than Muttiah Muralitharan can fit in. Muralidharan was arguably the best-off spinner that the game of cricket has ever seen. With more than 1300 international wickets to his game, it would be a crime, if he is not included in the squad.