Top 5 individual scores at the Asia Cup

The Asia Cup which began in 1984 with 3 Test playing nations and a number of Associates has now evolved into a tournament of 5 Test playing nations and one Associate team. A total of 7 teams have played the ODI version of it to date, and some of the best batsmen on the planet have showcased their wares in this prestigious tournament. Here's a look at the 5 highest individual scores at what is billed to be the third-most prestigious ODI tournament on planet Earth.

---

#5 Virat Kohli 136 vs BAN, 2014

Virat Kohli had the measure of Bangladesh. Again.

India's opening game against Bangladesh at the World Cup in 2011 is remembered for Virender Sehwag's swashbuckling century. What many forget is a 20-year-old Virat Kohli also notched up a century in that game, on his World Cup debut. 3 years later, he was at it again; in the same country, against the same team.

Having put in to bat, a century from the captain, Mushfiqur Rahim, led Bangladesh to an impressive 279. But then, they were up against Virat Kohli chasing under lights. The Indian captain walked in following a 50-run opening partnership and found a reliable partner in Ajinkya Rahane.

The pair put on a 213 run third wicket partnership. By the time it ended, with Kohli cleaned up, Kohli had stroked as many as 18 shots to the fence and had 136 to his name, and India were only 13 away from yet another win.

#4 Shoaib Malik 143 vs IND, 2004

Shoaib Malik's love for Indian bowling began at the Asia Cup

That Shoaib Malik relishes the challenge of an India vs Pakistan game is no secret- 4 of his 9 ODI Centuries have come against India. The first of those came in this game at the Asia Cup of 2004.

Batting first, Pakistan lost Imran Nazir in the very first over, and in walked Malik. Batting steadily first with Yasir Hameed, and later with the likes of Inzamam and Yousuf, Malik helped Pakistan pile up 300/9 with a dashing 143 that consisted of sweeps of the seamers and forehand slaps over mid-off put the match well beyond India's reach, as Pakistan won the game by 59 runs.

#3 Younis Khan 144 vs HK, 2004

Minnows Hong Kong ran into Younis Khan

Hong Kong are all set to play their third Asia Cup, having been drawn up with India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2018. But, their Asia Cup debut, came back in 2004. Having been trounced by Bangladesh in their first game, Hong Kong began well against Pakistan, sending both the openers back within the first 10 overs. But their nightmare was yet to begin.

Younis Khan paired up with Shoaib Malik and both the batsmen helped themselves to centuries, putting on a partnership of 223. Malik fell in the 43rd over, but Younis motored on, bringing out the big shots before falling in the penultimate over.

Needless to say, Pakistan's tally of 343 was way beyond Hong Kong's reach, and the East Asians fell to a 173 run defeat.

#2 Mushfiqur Rahim 144 vs SL, 2018

Mushfiqur Rahim strode into the record books with a stunning fightback

Lasith Malinga, returning after a year-long hiatus looked to be reducing the opening match of the 2018 Asia Cup into a no-contest. By the time he was done bowling the first over of the tournament, Bangladesh was already reeling at 1/2. At this crucial moment, in walked Mushfiqur Rahim.

He lost Tamim Iqbal to a fractured hand soon, and Bangladesh were effectively 3/3. Mushy went about steadying the ship first- building a century partnership with Mithun. Once that was broken- by whom? Malinga, of course- he struggled to find a suitable ally but continued on his way, taking Bangladesh to a respectable total.

At 229/9, with the 'Keeper batting on 112, Tamim Iqbal strode out with a broken arm. He kept out one ball holding the bat in just one hand. After that Mushy took over, slamming 32 off the next 14 balls, and never risking Tamim again.

In the end, Bangladesh's 261 proved to be too much for Sri Lanka, as they failed to even match up with Rahim's 144; getting bowled out for 135.

#1 Virat Kohli 183 vs PAK, 2012

Kohli's ODI magnum opus came against PAK in 2012.

A chase. Under lights. Against Pakistan. It has to be Kohli, right? Pakistan's openers, Jamshed and Hafeez, started off with a marathon 224-run partnership, with both of them slamming centuries. By the time Pakistan were done with their innings, the game looked to have been put to bed with 329 flashing on the scoreboard.

The second ball of the Indian chase, saw Hafeez trap Gambhir in front of his wickets. LBW. India 0/1, chasing 330. Kohli walked out, and in the company of the great Sachin Tendulkar, took the attack to Pakistan. The pair put on 133 together, and when Tendulkar exited, having played what would be his last ODI innings, another Mumbaikar in the form of Rohit Sharma joined Kohli and continued with the good work.

The pair put on 172 together. By the time Kohli became the fourth batsman to fall, he had his highest ODI score of 183- same Ganguly and Dhoni, and India's target had been reduced to 12 off 17 balls. Soon after, India completed their highest ODI run chase, shunning Pakistan to the ignominy of an embarrassing defeat.

---

Send us news tips at [email protected]