The Asia Cup is a multinational tournament played between Asian teams. It came into existence in 1984 and has been taking place after a gap of almost a year or two years. India has won the most titles (7), while Sri Lanka (6) and Pakistan (2) are next on this list.
There have been a number of big superstars who have played in this tournament. From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, all these players have taken part in this competition. But who holds the record for most runs in the Asia Cup? In this article, we will talk about the highest run-getter in Asia Cup history in the ODI format. There are 13 seasons being playing in 50-over format so far.
Most Runs in ODI Asia Cup
| Batter | Span | Mts | Runs | Avg | HS | 100s | 50s |
| Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | 1990-2008 | 25 | 1220 | 53.04 | 130 | 6 | 3 |
| Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 2004-2014 | 25 | 1075 | 48.86 | 121 | 4 | 8 |
| Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 1990-2012 | 23 | 971 | 51.10 | 114 | 2 | 7 |
| Shoaib Malik (PAK) | 2000-2018 | 17 | 786 | 65.50 | 143 | 3 | 3 |
| Rohit Sharma (IND) | 2008-2018 | 22 | 745 | 46.56 | 111* | 1 | 6 |
| Arjuna Ranatunga (SL) | 1984-1997 | 19 | 741 | 57.00 | 131* | 1 | 6 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN) | 2008-2018 | 21 | 699 | 36.78 | 144 | 2 | 2 |
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 2000-2014 | 28 | 674 | 29.30 | 78 | 0 | 7 |
| MS Dhoni (IND) | 2008-2018 | 19 | 648 | 64.80 | 109* | 1 | 3 |
| Arvinda de Silva (SL) | 1984-2000 | 24 | 645 | 32.25 | 96* | 0 | 4 |
5. Rohit Sharma (India) – 745 Runs in 22 games
Rohit Sharma led Team India to win the 2018 Asia Cup. He is also the highest run-getter among the active cricketers in this tournament. Rohit has played 22 matches between the 2008 and 2018 seasons. He has scored 745 runs at an average of 46.56 and a strike rate of 84.94. In this period, he has scored one century and six half-centuries, with a best of 111 not out.
4. Shoaib Malik (PAK) – 786 runs in 17 games
Veteran Pakistani all-rounder and captain Shoaib Malik is next on this list. Malik has played 17 games between the 2000 and 2018 editions. He has batted 15 times and scored 786 runs at a brilliant batting average of 65.50 and a strike rate of 90.65. Malik has also scored three centuries and three half-centuries, with a best of 143.
3. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 971 runs in 23 games
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar also has good numbers in this tournament. In fact, he is India’s highest run scorer in the Asia Cup. Sachin has played between 1990 and 2012 and featured in 23 games. He has scored 971 runs in 21 innings at an average of 51.10. Sachin has scored two centuries and seven half-centuries, with a best of 114.
2. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 1075 runs in 24 games
Former Sri Lankan star Kumar Sangakkara was a prolific scorer for his country across formats and in every tournament. Here he is in the second position. The left-hander played 24 games between 2004 and 2014 and scored 1075 runs at an average of 48.86. He scored four centuries and eight half-centuries, with a high score of 121 runs.
1. Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) – 1220 runs in 25 games
With the T20 edition having been introduced in recent times, it might not be easy for anyone to break Sanath Jayasuriya’s record for most runs in the Asia Cup. The former opener has also scored the most centuries in the Asia Cup (ODI). He has played 25 games between 1990 and 2008 and scored 1220 runs at an average of 53.04 and a brilliant strike rate of 102.52. Jayasuriya has six centuries and three half-centuries, including a best of 130 in the Asia Cup.