The Asia Cup 2025 is currently underway with almost all teams opening their accounts in the continental tournament. This edition is being played in the T20 format, serving as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The matches are being held in the UAE, where the scores have mostly hovered around the 150-run mark, making big knocks from batters a rarity.
However, in previous editions of the Asia Cup, played largely in the ODI format, fans witnessed some remarkable
centuries that have gone down in history. Here, let us take a look at the top five famous centuries in Asia Cup history.
Top 5 famous centuries in Asia Cup history
Younis Khan: 123* vs India (2008)
Former Pakistan cricketer Younis Khan played a terrific innings against arch-rivals India during the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2008. India had set a daunting target of 308 runs, with skipper MS Dhoni (76) and Rohit Sharma (58) contributing heavily. For Pakistan, Iftikhar Anjum picked up three wickets.
In response, Younis took charge, crafting a sublime 123* off 117 balls, well-supported by Misbah-ul-Haq (70*) and Nasir Jamshed (53). The veteran batter's knock guided the Men in Green to a memorable victory at home, making it one of the most cherished innings in the history of the continental tournament.
Sanath Jayasuriya: 125 vs India (Asia Cup 2008)
In the same edition, Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya produced a match-winning performance against India. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 273 runs, powered by Jayasuriya’s brilliant 125 off 114 balls and Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 56. India’s bowlers, RP Singh and Ishant Sharma, took three wickets each.
India faltered in the chase, managing just 173 runs, with Virender Sehwag (60) being the top scorer. The highlight of the game was Ajantha Mendis’ stunning 6/13, which dismantled India’s batting. Still, it was Jayasuriya’s fiery century that set the stage for Sri Lanka’s eventual title-winning campaign.
Virat Kohli: 183 vs Pakistan (2012)
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli registered his highest-ever ODI score in the Asia Cup 2012 against Pakistan at Dhaka's iconic Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Batting first, Pakistan posted a mammoth 329 runs, thanks to Mohammad Hafeez (105), Nasir Jamshed (112), and Younis Khan (52).
Chasing the stiff target, India suffered an early setback with Gautam Gambhir dismissed for a silver duck. However, Sachin Tendulkar (52) and Kohli steadied the innings, followed by a crucial partnership with Rohit Sharma (68), then a crucial cog in India's middle order. Kohli’s majestic 183 off 148 balls led India to a comfortable chase, making it one of the greatest knocks in ODI history.
Sachin Tendulkar: 114 vs Bangladesh (2012)
The 2012 Asia Cup also witnessed history when Sachin Tendulkar scored his much-awaited 100th international century against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The legendary cricketer's awe-inspiring 114-run innings helped India post 289 runs while batting first, with support from Virat Kohli (66) and Suresh Raina (51).
However, Bangladesh pulled off a famous upset, chasing the target with contributions from Tamim Iqbal (70), Jahurul Islam (53), and Nasir Hossain (54). Despite the loss, Tendulkar’s century remains unforgettable as it marked a once-in-a-lifetime milestone in world cricket, a record that still stands unshaken even after 13 years since the iconic knock was played.
Virat Kohli 122* vs Afghanistan (2022)
Virat Kohli delivered another iconic knock in the Asia Cup 2022 which happened in the T20 format. Opening the innings, Kohli smashed his first-ever T20 international century, scoring 122* off 61 balls, while KL Rahul (62) provided crucial support. India posted a commanding 212/2 against Afghanistan, but what made the night truly a special one was that Virat scored his first century in almost three years.
In reply, Afghanistan collapsed to 111/8, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul. Despite Ibrahim Zadran’s fighting 64*, Kohli’s century was the highlight, ending his long wait for a hundred across formats.
