The countdown has begun for one of the most exciting cricket battles. Asia Cup 2023 gears up for another edition of intense cricket action from August 30 to September 17. This six-nation tournament is a fight for supremacy between India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. To watch Asia Cup 2023 live, subscribe to YuppTV and get all the live updates. Along with Asia Cup 2023, YuppTV also bagged the rights for live streaming ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
The six members of the Asian Cricket Council will lock horns in the Asia Cup for more than two weeks in the ODI format. Asia Cup returns to the 50-over form after the T20 setup in 2022. The tournament fluctuates between the ODI and T20 in alternate years. Nepal qualified for the championship by winning the ACC Premier Cup and makes its debut alongside the giants. Of the previous 15 championships, India won a record seven times in 1984, 1988, 1990-91, 1995, 2010, 2016, and 2018. Sri Lanka won six titles in 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, and 2022. Pakistan won two trophies in 2000 and 2012. Bangladesh came close to the trophy thrice by appearing in the finals but lost on all three occasions. Mohammad Azharuddin and MS Dhoni are the only captains to win the titles twice. Rohit Sharma and Dasun Shanaka will join the legends if their respective teams win the Asia Cup 2023. With top-class players in the squads, these cricket-loving Asian countries will partake in the sixteenth edition of the Asia Cup to decimate their opponents and emerge victorious. The championship promises endless excitement by breaking existing records, setting new milestones, quickfire knocks, bowling wonders, and stunning fielding displays.
Here is the history of the Asia Cup, the Winners list, and the Winning Captains –
2022
Led by Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 23 runs in Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Bhanuka Rajapaksa entered the field when Sri Lanka lost quick early wickets and played a responsible knock (71*) while remaining not out. Wanindu Hasaranga was brilliant with the ball and bat. Bhanuka and Hasaranga claimed Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
2018
India entered as defending champion and retained the title. The Men in Blue emerged victorious in the final ball thriller match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2018 finals. This is Bangladesh’s third final appearance where they lost all three. Despite Liton Das’s century, Indian bowlers under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy restricted Bangladesh to a paltry 222. However, India had to play till the end in an intriguing final game. Liton Das was declared the player of the match.
2016
MS Dhoni became the second skipper after Azharuddin to win the title twice. India defeated Bangladesh by 8 wickets in Mirpur. Shikar Dhawan won the player of the match for his quick 60.
2014
Sri Lanka won by five wickets against Pakistan in Mirpur, Bangladesh. Fawad Alam’s century and Misbah-ul-Haq’s went into vain when Sri Lanka chased the target comfortably. Lahiru Thirimanne earned the Player of the Match award. Angelo Matthews led the Lankan side.
2012
Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan to win their second Asia Cup after 2000. Pakistan won by 2 runs against Bangladesh. Shahid Afridi’s all-around performance gained him the Player of the Match. Sachin scored his 100th century in this event.
2010
India won the Asia Cup after 15 years under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. India registered a comfortable victory against Sri Lanka in Dambulla.
2008
Sanath Jasuriya’s brilliant century and Ajanta Mendis’s magical spin guided Sri Lanka, led by Mahela Jayawardene, to win by 100 runs. Except for Sehwag and Dhoni, no other Indian batters had no clue to face Ajanta Mendis.
2004
Marvan Atapattu led his team from the front in the final against India to a magnificent victory by 25 runs in Colombo.
2000
Along with Saeed Anwar and Inzamam, Pakistan skipper Moin Khan steered Pakistan to lift its maiden title against Sri Lanka.
1997
Arjuna Ranatunga played a captain innings with Marvan Atapattu to defeat India by 8 wickets.
1995
Indian skipper Azharuddin became the first captain to win the Asia Cup twice. India defeated Sri Lanka in the final.
1990
Brilliant innings from Sanjay Manjrekar, Sachin Tendulkar, and captain Mohammad Azharuddin helped India to chase the target and defeat Sri Lanka.
1988
Dilip Vengsarkar’s captain knock along with opener Sidhu guided India India to win by 6 wickets against Sri Lanka.
1986
Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the second edition of the Asia Cup against Pakistan. India did not play in this edition due to the bitter relationship with Lanka after a controversial series in 85.
1984
Sunil Gavaskar guided India to win the inaugural Asia Cup and defeated Sri Lanka by 54 runs.
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