Masters Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s All-Time Asia Cup ODI XI

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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