When it comes to the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History, fans are often reminded of those magical spells that turned matches upside down. The Asia Cup has always been a stage where bowlers showcase their skills against the best batsmen from the subcontinent. Over the years, we have seen some remarkable bowling performances that not only stunned the opposition but also became unforgettable chapters in cricketing history. Here, we take a look at the Top 10 Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History.

10. Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka) – 5/40 vs India (2023)

Top 10 Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History

Young Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage announced himself on the big stage with one of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History. Against a powerful Indian batting lineup in Colombo, Wellalage bowled with maturity far beyond his years. He dismissed key batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, completely unsettling the Indian middle order. His ability to extract turn and bounce made batting difficult, even for experienced campaigners.

What made his spell so memorable was the pressure he created throughout his 10 overs. Although India eventually won the match, Wellalage’s performance was hailed as the arrival of a future star. His five-wicket haul at such a young age proved that Sri Lanka continues to produce world-class spinners. Indeed, his spell deserves a place among the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
5	40	10.0	India	12 Sep 2023

9. Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) – 5/38 vs Bangladesh (1997)

Legendary Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is also remembered for producing one of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History. Playing against Bangladesh in Colombo, Saqlain used his doosra and variations to dismantle the opposition. He bowled with precision, and the Bangladeshi batsmen had no clue how to tackle his spin. His 5/38 in 9.3 overs was a masterclass in spin bowling.

This performance highlighted why Saqlain was one of the finest off-spinners of his era. Pakistan had a history of producing quality bowlers, and Saqlain’s ability to deliver under pressure added another chapter to it. His performance remains among the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History, proving that his skills could turn any game in Pakistan’s favor.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
5	38	9.3	Bangladesh	16 Jul 1997

8. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 5/34 vs Pakistan (2010)

When you talk about deadly yorkers, Lasith Malinga is the first name that comes to mind. His spell of 5/34 against Pakistan in Dambulla was one of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History. With his slinging action and pinpoint accuracy, Malinga broke through Pakistan’s batting lineup in spectacular fashion. His toe-crushing yorkers were simply unplayable.

Malinga’s spell was a reminder of why he was considered the best death bowler in the world. His ability to strike both at the start and in the slog overs made him a nightmare for batsmen. This performance not only gave Sri Lanka a crucial win but also went down as one of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
5	34	10.0	Pakistan	15 Jun 2010

7. Muttiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) – 5/31 vs Bangladesh (2008)

Spin wizard Muttiah Muralidaran was at his best during the 2008 Asia Cup in Karachi. His spell of 5/31 against Bangladesh ranks among the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History. Using his magical variations, Murali deceived batsmen with flight, turn, and bounce. Bangladesh had no answers to his wizardry, and wickets kept tumbling one after another.

This spell showed Murali’s unmatched ability to control the game with spin. He made scoring nearly impossible, constantly building pressure until batsmen made mistakes. His performance was a perfect example of why he is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. No list of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History would be complete without Muralidaran’s brilliance.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
5	31	10.0	Bangladesh	30 Jun 2008

6. Kuldeep Yadav (India) – 5/25 vs Pakistan (2023)

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav delivered one of the most memorable spells of recent years when he bagged 5/25 against Pakistan in Colombo. His performance is easily among the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History. With his variations and sharp turn, Kuldeep made Pakistan’s batting order look clueless. His dismissals of Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman stood out as key breakthroughs.

This spell came at a crucial stage for India in the 2023 Asia Cup. Kuldeep not only picked wickets but also maintained an economy rate that kept the opposition under pressure. His match-winning performance is remembered as one of the finest by an Indian spinner and cemented his name in the records of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
5	25	8.0	Pakistan	10 Sep 2023

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5. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 5/22 vs UAE (2008)

During the 2008 Asia Cup, Ajantha Mendis emerged as a mystery spinner who bamboozled batsmen with his unique variations. His 5/22 against UAE in Lahore is considered one of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History. Batsmen found it almost impossible to read his carrom balls, googlies, and sliders. This spell put him firmly on the cricketing map.

What made Mendis special was his ability to turn the game in just a few overs. UAE batsmen had no clue how to tackle his deliveries, and he completely demolished their lineup. This match announced his arrival on the international stage and proved why his bowling is remembered among the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
5	22	6.3	UAE	26 Jun 2008

4. Arshad Ayub (India) – 5/21 vs Pakistan (1988)

Indian off-spinner Arshad Ayub produced one of the earliest examples of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History when he took 5/21 against Pakistan in Dhaka in 1988. At a time when India and Pakistan matches were fiercely competitive, Ayub’s performance stood out as a match-winning effort. He bowled with precision and control, dismantling Pakistan’s batting order.

His spell was crucial in India’s success in that tournament. By keeping the runs tight and picking up key wickets, Ayub created history as one of the first Indian bowlers to dominate Pakistan in an Asia Cup clash. His figures remain one of the finest examples of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
5	21	9.0	Pakistan	31 Oct 1988

3. Aaqib Javed (Pakistan) – 5/19 vs India (1995)

In 1995, Pakistan’s Aaqib Javed destroyed India’s batting lineup with a spell of 5/19 in Sharjah, which is still ranked among the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History. His disciplined bowling and clever use of swing made life difficult for Indian batsmen. From the very first over, Aaqib was on target, dismissing India’s top-order in quick succession.

The spell is remembered as one of his career-best performances. By keeping his economy at just 2.11, Aaqib ensured that Pakistan had complete control of the match. This performance is still celebrated in Pakistan’s cricketing history and stands tall in the records of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
5	19	9.0	India	07 Apr 1995

2. Mohammed Siraj (India) – 6/21 vs Sri Lanka (2023)

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj stunned the cricket world in the Asia Cup 2023 final with figures of 6/21 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. His spell ranks second in the list of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History. Siraj ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order with pace, swing, and aggression, leaving them shell-shocked at 12/6 within the first few overs.

This spell not only gave India the trophy but also made Siraj a hero overnight. His fiery pace and accuracy showcased why he is one of India’s leading bowlers in modern cricket. His record-breaking six-wicket haul will always be remembered as one of the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
6	21	7.0	Sri Lanka	17 Sep 2023

1. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 6/13 vs India (2008)

At number one, we have Ajantha Mendis once again, with his spell of 6/13 against India in the 2008 Asia Cup final in Karachi. This remains the undisputed best among the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History. Mendis single-handedly demolished a strong Indian batting lineup featuring the likes of Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and MS Dhoni. His variations left the batsmen guessing throughout.

This spell not only won Sri Lanka the Asia Cup but also announced Mendis as the next big thing in world cricket. His carrom ball became famous worldwide after this performance. Without a doubt, his 6/13 remains the greatest performance in the Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup History.

Wickets Taken	Runs Conceded	Overs	Opposition	Date
6	13	8.0	India	06 Jul 2008