Best Bowling Figures on Asia Cup Debut (ODI)

The Asia Cup 2023 commenced on August 30, with Pakistan squaring off against Nepal, culminating in the final match on September 17. After careful consideration, the ACC and participating boards adopted the Pakistan Cricket Board's hybrid model, designating Pakistan and Sri Lanka as co-hosts. Pakistan will host four games across two venues, while Sri Lanka will hold the remaining matches.

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As the tournament is aligned with the 2023 ODI World Cup, the fifty-overs format will feature six teams: India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan. The anticipated India-Pakistan clash is set for September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Groups A and B consist of Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka respectively, with the top two from each progressing to the Super Fours, culminating in the final in Colombo. The 2022 ACC title was secured by Sri Lanka in a 20-over format.

A debut match is very special for any aspiring cricketer wishing to represent their country and making a debut in a tournament like Asia Cup is like a dream come true. Over the years there have been many inspiring performances from players that have edged in the memory of cricket fans.

Let us Now Have a Look at Some Best Bowling Figures on Asia Cup debut (ODI):

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5. 19, Aaqib Javeed vs India – 1995:

Aaqib Javeed (Source: Twitter)

Aaqib Javed, alongside the brilliance of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, contributed significantly to Pakistan's bowling. With a strong run-up and high arm action, he excelled against India, utilizing pace, swing, and reverse swing. Despite his skill, he played only 22 Tests due to the dominance of Akram and Younis in that era.

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It was in the 1995 edition of the Asia Cup; the Pakistan speedster registered a historic feat of best bowling figures for any player on debut. Aaqib registered a figure of 5/19 and helped Pakistan defend a total of 266.

4. 23, Muttiah Muralitharan vs Bangladesh – 1995:

Muttiah Muralitharan (Source: Twitter)

Arguably one of the best off-spinners in the history of the game, Muttiah Muralitharan was a force to reckon with in the early 1990s and continued to be one till 2011. In his exceptional career of 18 years in international cricket, the talismanic spinner took more than 1300 wickets overall in all the international matches that he played for Sri Lanka.

But it was from his debut match in Asia Cup 1995 when fans knew that he was going to have a great career ahead and would serve Sri Lankan cricket for a long time. In his debut match in the 1995 edition of the Asia Cup, the star off-spinner registered a bowling figure of 4/23 against Bangladesh which helped Sri Lanka win the match.

3. 23, Piyush Chawla vs. Hong Kong – 2008:

Piyush Chawla (Source: Twitter)

Piyush Chawla first caught the spotlights when he dismissed the great Sachin Tendulkar with a googly in a Challengers Trophy encounter in the 2006 season. Chawla, a leg spinner, possesses control and variations but lacks a prominent stock leg break for optimal effectiveness. He struggled to secure a permanent spot in India's team, yielding to leg spinner Amit Mishra post-Anil Kumble's retirement. Closer ties to the ODI squad were maintained, aided by his strong IPL debut.

But in their debut match of the Asia Cup, in 2008 he got a chance to showcase his talent. The former India spinner registered a figure of 4/23 against Hong Kong.

2. 23, Matheesha Pathirana vs Bangladesh – 2023:

Matheesha Pathirana (Source: Twitter)

Tough it would be too early to say the Sri Lankan team seems to find a replacement for the legendary bowler in the face of Matheesha Pathirana. The 20-year-old bowler was fast-tracked to the Senior Sri Lankan team after having a great outing in the U/19 World Cup. Pathirana also had a decent outing with the ball in the recently concluded Indian Premier League where the speedster impressed one and all with his sheer pace and impressive death bowling.

It was in the 2023 edition of the Asia Cup, where he made his debut against Bangladesh and ended the match with a bowling figure of 4/23.

1.  50, Mohammed Shami vs Bangladesh – 2014:

Leading India's fast bowling attack in the 2015 World Cup, Mohammed Shami was pivotal in the team's semi-final run, securing 77 of 80 wickets. Despite a knee injury, he excelled in the tournament and preceding Test series, showcasing speed, precision, and adeptness in ball movement, contributing to his success. His seam position while delivering the ball is one of beautiful sight in the cricketing world.

It was in the 2014 edition of the Asia Cup, that Shami registered a figure of 4/50 on his debut match against Bangladesh

Also Check: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Match: Top Stories from Asia Cup 2023