The last time India went into an Asia Cup without either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma was way back in 2004. But that tradition will be broken this time, with both players no longer playing the shortest format. This edition of the Asia Cup will be played in the T20I format, keeping the next World Cup, which is the T20 World Cup 2026, in mind.
Despite all the backlash the tournament received, the Indian Government’s nod to allow India to pit against Pakistan meant a lot. Starting September 9, the Asia Cup will be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. After the ICC World Cups, the Asia Cup is perhaps the most prestigious multi-nation tournament. Started in 1984, the tournament has seen the best of Asian talents. Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Inzamam-ul-Haq – you name it and all the legends have embraced the Asia Cup.
On that note, we take a look at the highest individual scores by batters in the history of the Men’s Asia Cup.
Highest individual score in Asia Cup (ODIs)
| Player | Runs | BF | 4s | 6s | SR | vs | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 183 | 148 | 22 | 1 | 123.64 | v Pakistan | Mirpur | 18 Mar 2012 |
| Babar Azam (PAK) | 151 | 131 | 14 | 4 | 115.26 | v Nepal | Multan | 30 Aug 2023 |
| Younis Khan (PAK) | 144 | 122 | 8 | 3 | 118.03 | v Hong Kong | Colombo (SSC) | 18 Jul 2004 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN) | 144 | 150 | 11 | 4 | 96.00 | v Sri Lanka | Dubai (DICS) | 15 Sep 2018 |
| Shoaib Malik (PAK) | 143 | 127 | 18 | 1 | 112.59 | v India | Colombo (RPS) | 25 Jul 2004 |
Virat Kohli holds the record for scoring the highest score by a batter in Asia Cup history. The innings? Well, it is his iconic 183 in Mirpur against arch-rivals Pakistan. At just 23, he walked in with India reeling at 0/1 and managed to whittle down a gigantic target of 330, India’s highest-ever successful one-day chase at that point, finishing the job with 13 balls to spare. Meanwhile, Babar Azam holds the second spot but his innings came against a hapless Nepal attack.
Highest individual score in Asia Cup (T20I)
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | vs | Ground | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 122* | 61 | 12 | 6 | 200.00 | v Afghanistan | Dubai (DICS) | 08 Sep 2022 |
| Babar Hayat (HK) | 122 | 60 | 9 | 7 | 203.33 | v Oman | Fatullah | 19 Feb 2016 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) | 84 | 45 | 4 | 6 | 186.66 | v Sri Lanka | Sharjah | 03 Sep 2022 |
| Rohit Sharma (IND) | 83 | 55 | 7 | 3 | 150.90 | v Bangladesh | Mirpur | 24 Feb 2016 |
| Sabbir Rahman (BAN) | 80 | 54 | 10 | 3 | 148.14 | v Sri Lanka | Mirpur | 28 Feb 2016 |
Remarkably, Virat Kohli holds the record for smashing the highest score in T20 Asia Cups as well. So far, only 2016 and 2022 editions were played in the format. Hence, only two centuries have been scored. Virat Kohli is the only Indian so far, having racked up 122* against Afghanistan. It was his ton after a wait of 1020 days! Meanwhile, another player, Babar, is up on his neck for the record. However, it is Babar Hayat of Hong Kong.
Considering the talent that India and other teams possess, we might see this record be easily broken in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
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