Shoaib Malik’s 3 best performances in Asia Cup

With the Asia Cup 2023 just around the corner, all six participating Asian teams are sweating hard in the nets to lift the coveted title. The 50-over tournament is also the final phase of preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup. The tournament kicks off with the two-time champions Pakistan taking on Nepal in Multan on August 30.

Over the years, there have been many players who have enthralled fans with their stunning performances in the Asia Cup. Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik is one such player who has put in brilliant performances on several occasions. In fact, Malik holds the third-highest individual score in the continental event.

Continuing on the same, let’s take a look at Shoaib Malik’s top three performances in Asia Cup history.

1. 118 (110) vs Hong Kong in 2004

Hong Kong stunned Pakistan with two early strikes when the two met in the fifth match of the 2004 Asia Cup in Colombo. Electing to bat first, Pakistan lost both openers inside the first powerplay, but no one thought that the match would soon turn one-sided. Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan added 223 runs for the third wicket to take Pakistan to a huge score of 343/5.

Younis scored 144 off 122 deliveries, including eight fours and three maximums, while Malik smashed 118 off 110 balls with ten fours and two sixes. This is the second-highest partnership in the Asia Cup history. In reply, Hong Kong could only manage 165 runs, a crushing defeat of 173 runs via the D/L method.

2. 125* (119) vs India in 2008

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan met in the fifth match of the 2008 Asia Cup, resulting in a high-scoring thriller in Karachi. Batting first, Pakistan put up a highly competitive score of 299/4 on the board following Shoaib Malik’s magnificent century. The Pakistani all-rounder smashed a 119-ball 125 before being forced to retire hurt.

However, Malik’s stunning display was completely overshadowed by Virender Sehwag, who made a mockery of Pakistani bowlers right from the start. The destructive opener slammed 119 runs off just 95 balls to guide India to a 6-wicket win with 47 balls to spare.

3. 143 (127) vs India in 2004

In the 10th match of the 2004 Asia Cup, Shoaib Malik posted the third-highest individual score of the tournament against India. Pakistan, who won the toss and opted to bat first, posted a total of 300/9 on the back of Malik’s 143 runs off 127 deliveries. The right-hander gave the Indian bowlers a hard time, hitting 18 boundaries and a six in his scintillating innings. In reply, India could only manage 241/8 and lost the match by 59 runs.