The Asia Cup, the most prestigious continental cricket tournament, has witnessed some unforgettable moments over the years. The 17th edition of the tournament is currently underway, with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka having qualified for the Super Four stage. While some teams have faced setbacks, the tournament has a rich history of shocking upsets. Here, let us take a look at five of the most remarkable surprises in Asia Cup history.
Top 5 biggest upsets in Asia Cup history
Bangladesh vs India, Asia Cup 2012
Bangladesh have been long considered underdogs, and
have consistently shown resilience and skill over the years. One of their most remarkable performances came against India in the 2012 Asia Cup. Batting first, India posted a strong total of 289/5, with Sachin Tendulkar scoring 114, Virat Kohli contributing 66, and Suresh Raina adding 51. Mashrafe Mortaza picked up 2/44 for Bangladesh.
In response, Bangladesh mounted a stunning chase as contributions came from Tamim Iqbal (70), Jahurul Islam (53), and Nasir Hossain (54), guiding the team to victory with four balls to spare, marking one of the biggest upsets in Asia Cup history.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2022
In the Asia Cup 2022 opener, Afghanistan stunned Sri Lanka in a dramatic T20 clash. Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 105, with Bhanuka Rajapaksa scoring 38. Fazalhaq Farooqi was exceptional for Afghanistan, taking 3/11 in 3.4 overs, including a maiden.
Chasing the target, Afghanistan reached the score comfortably in 10.1 overs, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 40. Despite the early setback, Sri Lanka went on to win the Asia Cup 2022 final, but the opening loss remained a shocking moment for fans.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2016
The first Asia Cup held in T20 format in 2016 saw Bangladesh pull off a stunning victory over Pakistan. Pakistan batted first, scoring 129/7, with Sarfaraz Ahmed remaining unbeaten on 58. Al-Amin Hossain was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, taking 3/25 in his four overs.
Bangladesh chased down the target in the final over, thanks to Soumya Sarkar’s 48, securing a memorable five-wicket win over the defending champions.
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2018
In the 2018 Asia Cup, Afghanistan again caused a major upset, this time against Sri Lanka. Afghanistan posted a formidable 249, with Rahmat Shah top-scoring at 72. Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera took 5/55, but his efforts were not enough.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 158, with Upul Tharanga scoring 36. Afghanistan’s bowlers, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan, each took two wickets, sealing a comprehensive victory. Back in the day, the Afghanistan team was still coming through the ranks, which meant that their victory left many surprised.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2018
Later in the same tournament, Bangladesh delivered another massive blow, defeating Sri Lanka by 137 runs. Bangladesh posted a huge 261, led by Mushfiqur Rahim’s 144 and Mohammad Mithun’s 63.
For Sri Lanka, Lasith Malinga picked up 4/23, but the team collapsed for just 124, with Dilruwan Perera top-scoring with 29. Bangladesh bowlers Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz each claimed two wickets, eliminating Sri Lanka in the group stage.
