Here is a glimpse at India’s three highest run scorers at the continental competition, who played an integral part in the Men in Blue’s glory.
183 –Virat Kohli vs Pakistan at Mirpur in 2012
On March 18, 2012, Captain MS Dhoni won the toss and invited arch-rival Pakistan to bat first. After being put to bat first, the Men in Green posted 329 runs, with great centuries from their openers Hafeez and Jamshed. Following that, while chasing, India had to rack up 330 runs on the Mirpur pitch, which favoured the spinners. Kohli, who entered the field in the very first over after India opener Gautam Gambhir was dismissed for zero runs, amassed 183 runs from just 148 balls, including 22 fours and two sixes. His magnificent knock helped India win the match with 13 balls to spare.
136 –Virat Kohli vs Bangladesh at Fatullah in 2014
On February 26, 2014, India skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first. After being put to bat, Bangladesh posted a score of 279 runs in 50 overs. Later, with India seeking to reach 280 runs while being reduced to 54 for two in 12.5 overs, it was imperative that skipper Virat Kohli stick with the team to the end, score significantly, and lead the team to victory. Even though right-handed batter Kohli was out after accomplishing 136 runs off 122 balls, India had already won the match by the moment he was out. The stylish batters knock included 16 fours and two sixes.
135* –Sourav Ganguly vs Bangladesh at Dhaka in 2000
Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly produced an astonishing century to help his team win the match in the 2000 Asia Cup, registering one of the most outstanding knocks historically in the tournament. Habibul Bashar and Akram Khan both smashed half-centuries as Bangladesh batted initially and finished with a score of 249 for 6 during their 50 overs. In reply, while chasing, Ganguly’s unbeatable 135 at the top of the order stole the spotlight as the former Indian Cricket Board President smashed seven sixes and six fours to get his team across the finish line. Notably, Sachin Tendulkar’s score of 36 was the next-highest in the inning.