• Sri Lanka have won six Asia Cup titles so far and is the second most successful team in the event.

  • There have been many Sri Lankan players who dominated the Asia Cup tournament over all these years.

Masters Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s All-Time Asia Cup ODI XI
Kumar Sangakkara,Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya andLasith Malinga (Image Source: Twitter)

Asia Cup is well-known for evoking great excitement among cricket enthusiasts and a healthy rivalry between the participating nations. Over the years, Sri Lanka is one Asian nation that has consistently been a force to be reckoned with in this prestigious limited-overs competition.

As we approach a power-packed Asia Cup 2023, let’s delve into the cricket archives and unveil Sri Lanka’s all-time Asia Cup ODI XI. The lineup brings together some of the most iconic players to have graced the tournament.

Sri Lanka’s All-Time Asia Cup ODI XI:

1) Sanath Jayasuriya (All-rounder/Captain)

Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya (Image Source: Twitter)

A true pioneer of aggressive opening batting, Jayasuriya’s explosive innings at the top of the order set the tone for Sri Lanka’s dominance in the Asia Cup and beyond. His ability to take apart any bowling attack makes him an indispensable choice for this dream eleven.

Jayasuriya’s stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 25 | Runs: 1220 | Average: 53.04 | Centuries: 6 | Fifties: 3 | Wickets: 22

2) Marvan Atapattu (Batter)

Marvan Atapattu
Marvan Atapattu (Image Source: Twitter)

Atapattu is known for his classic strokeplay and unwavering patience. He provides the ideal foil to Jayasuriya’s aggressive style. His solid technique and ability to anchor the innings make him an invaluable asset in the lineup.

Atapattu’s stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 13 | Runs: 642 | Average: 64.20 | Centuries: 1 | Fifties: 6

3) Kumar Sangakkara (Wicketkeeper/Batter)

Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara (Image Source: Twitter)

A cricketing genius, Sangakkara’s versatility as a top-order batsman and wicketkeeper makes him an automatic selection. His impeccable batting skills and leadership qualities make him a standout choice to stabilize the innings.

Sangakkara’s stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 24 | Runs: 1075 | Average: 48.86 | Centuries: 4 | Fifties: 8

4) Aravinda de Silva (Batter)

Aravinda de Silva
Aravinda de Silva (Image Source: Twitter)

An all-time Sri Lankan great, de Silva’s heroics in the 1997 Asia Cup final against India are etched in cricketing folklore. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and contribute with both bat and ball make him an indispensable part of the dream eleven.

Aravinda’s stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 24 | Runs: 645 | Average: 32.25 | Centuries: 0 | Fifties: 4

5) Mahela Jayawardene (Batter)

Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene (Image Source: Twitter)

A master of elegance and timing, Jayawardene’s presence in the middle order adds depth and stability to the lineup. His knack for building partnerships and guiding the team to victory in crunch situations cements his place in this prestigious eleven.

Jayawardene’s stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 28 | Runs: 674 | Average: 29.30 | Centuries: 0 | Fifties: 7

Also READ: Legends Unleashed – Pakistan’s All-Time Asia Cup ODI XI

6) Arjuna Ranatunga (Batter)

Arjuna Ranatunga
Arjuna Ranatunga (Image Source: Twitter)

A captain with an indomitable spirit, Ranatunga’s strategic acumen and ability to lead from the front are unparalleled. His presence in the dream team adds a touch of leadership and a deep understanding of the game.

Ranatunga’s stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 19 | Runs: 741 | Average: 57.00 | Centuries: 1 | Fifties: 6

7) Angelo Mathews (Batter)

Angelo Mathews
Angelo Mathews (Image Source: Twitter)

A reliable all-rounder, Mathews brings balance to the team with his ability to contribute both with the bat and ball. His astute cricketing brain and leadership skills further enhance his value in dream eleven.

Mathews’ stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 11 | Runs: 331 | Average: 82.75 | Centuries: 0 | Fifties: 3

8) Chaminda Vaas (Bowler)

Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas (Image Source: Twitter)

A true stalwart of Sri Lankan cricket, Vaas’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver accurate spells at any stage of the innings makes him a crucial part of the bowling attack. His mastery over seam and swing adds depth to the team’s arsenal.

Chaminda’s stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 19 | Wickets: 23 | Economy: 4.19 | BBI: 3/30

9) Muttiah Muralitharan (Bowler)

Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan (Image Source: Twitter)

The world’s leading wicket-taker in both Test and ODI cricket, Muralitharan’s spin wizardry and ability to bamboozle batters with his variations make him an automatic selection. His presence adds the X-factor to the team.

Muralitharan’s stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 24 | Wickets: 30 | Economy: 3.75 | BBI: 5/31

10) Lasith Malinga (Bowler)

Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga (Image Source: Twitter)

With his slinging action and deadly yorkers, Malinga has been a nightmare for batters in the death overs. His ability to strike at crucial moments and dismantle batting lineups makes him an indispensable member of the dream eleven.

Malinga’s stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 14 | Wickets: 29 | Economy: 4.65 | BBI: 5/34

11) Ajantha Mendis (Bowler)

Ajantha Mendis
Ajantha Mendis (Image Source: Twitter)

A spinner who burst onto the scene with his unique variations, Mendis adds an extra layer of mystery to the bowling attack. His unorthodox style and wicket-taking ability make him a valuable asset in the lineup.

Mendis’ stats in Asia Cup – Matches: 8 | Wickets: 26 | Economy: 3.98 | BBI: 6/13

Also READ: Dominating the Decades – India’s All-Time Asia Cup ODI XI

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About the Author:
Vishwanath Hariharan is Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. From breaking news stories to in-depth features and opinion pieces, he has covered a wide range of topics. Vishwanath is very fond of watching cricket. Like many others, he too grew up watching, playing, and imitating his favourite players of the game. MS Dhoni is like a demigod to him. You can connect with him at vishwanath.hariharan@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter & Linkedin.