The Asia Cup is among the most anticipated tournaments among Asian countries as it allows the fans in the sub-continent region to witness some of the best cricketing actions among the teams playing in the Asian continent. The Asia Cup began in the year 1984 and to date, there have primarily been 15 editions so far and the 16th one is scheduled to be played in the month of October this year.
Over the years, Sri Lanka have been among the second most successful team after India. The Sri Lankan team has won the Asia Cup six times and are only behind India, who have won the Cup seven times which is the maximum by any team in the competition. Sri Lanka are currently also the defending champions of the title as they won the previous edition of the tournament as well. Here are the top three bowling figures by the Sri Lankan players overall.
#1. 6/13 – Ajantha Mendis vs India at Karachi in 2008
One of the most spoken about spinners from Sri Lanka, Ajantha Mendis, in his short career, attracted a lot of fans and has also delivered on big stages for his national side. He was regarded as the mystery spinner because it was not that easy to pick up his deliveries.
It was in the Asia Cup 2008 when Mendis dismantled the India batting lineup when he picked up 6/13 against India in the Finals in Karachi in the 2008 edition of the tournament.
#2. 5/22 – Ajantha Mendis vs UAE at Lahore in 2008
It was in the same edition of the Asia Cup where Mendis was on a roll and even ended the series as the leading wicket-taker. He was also one of the major reasons for the Sri Lankan team to win the title in that edition of the tournament. It was in a league match, where Mendis even went on to register the figures of 5/22 against UAE.
#3. 5/31 –Muttiah Muralitharan vs Bangladesh at Karachi in 2008
Pakistan hosted the 2008 edition of the Asia Cup, and it was in that season that Ajantha Mendis, along with Muttiah Muralitharan, wreaked havoc on the participating teams. The duo was certainly unreadable. Muralitharan is arguably the best spinner that the world has ever seen. His knack for picking wickets even in non-supporting conditions made lives miserable for the batters. It was in the Asia Cup of 2008 when Muralitharan picked up 5/31 in a game against a formidable Bangladesh side.