5 Players Who Could Win the Player of the Tournament Award in Asia Cup 2023

The 16th edition of the Asia Cup began on 30 August 2023 in Multan. Till 4 September, five matches have been played and players from different teams have come up with some top performances. But, there are some players who can still perform exceptionally well in the remaining part of the tournament and become the Player of the Tournament. 

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Here are the top five players who could win the Player of the Tournament award in the Asia Cup 2023:

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Image Source: Twitter)

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The former Team India had a disappointing start to this Asia Cup edition as he scored only four runs off seven balls against Pakistan in Pallekele. But, still, Virat Kohli can end up becoming the Player of the Tournament. 

In the last edition in 2022, though it was played in a 20-20 format, Kohli was the highest scorer for Team India. So, ahead of the 2023 World Cup, fans will hope to see run galoring from his bat in this tournament. 

Also Check: Virat Kohli’s 3 Best Knocks in Asia Cup

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Babar Azam

Babar Azam (Image Source: Twitter)

The number one-ranked ODI batter showed his class in the opening game of this tournament against Nepal in Multan. Babar Azam smashed 151 runs off 131 balls, including 14 fours and four sixes. He also bagged the Player of the Match award in that clash. 

However, he did not get a chance to bat against India as the game was called off due to heavy rain. So, with such a great start, Babar is one of the top contenders to become the Player of the Tournament this time around. 

Check: Babar Azam’s Record in Asia Cup History

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya (Image Source: Twitter)

This star all-rounder of Team India is going to be a crucial player for the team’s success in both the ongoing Asia Cup and the upcoming ODI World Cup. However, Hardik Pandya looked to be in good touch when the Men in Blue were in trouble against Pakistan. 

He stitched a 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Ishan Kishan, He smashed 87 runs off 90 balls, including seven fours and one six. Against Nepal, he bowled eight overs, including three maidens and took one wicket for 34 runs. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Image Source: Twitter)

This 25-year-old batter from Bangladesh has shown a great consistency level so far in the tournament. In two matches, Najmul Hossain Shanto has scored 193 runs, including one fifty and one century. 

Against Sri Lanka, the Bangla Tigers got bundled out for just 164 runs but Shanto was the lone warrior. He scored 89 runs off 122 balls, including seven fours. While against Afghanistan, he notched up a century and scored 104 runs off 105 balls, including nine fours and two sixes.  

Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana (Image Source: Twitter)

2023 has been a great year so far for this young slinky pacer from Sri Lanka. First, Matheesha Pathirana won the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and then, he had a great Lanka Premier League (LPL) just before this tournament.

In eight games, he took 12 wickets. So, fans were expecting a top show from him and he did not disappoint as Pathirana grabbed four wickets for 32 runs in 7.4 overs, at an economy of 4.17 against Bangladesh, He also won the Player of the Match award.

Check Here: 5 Youngest Players to Watch in Asia Cup 2023