Top 5 leading wicket-takers in Asia Cup

Asia Cup is a cricketing event where top teams from the continent of Asia lock horns with an aim to win the prestigious title. The tournament which was started way back in 1984, has witnessed some amazing performances with a stiff competition between bat and ball. As the tournament is played in the subcontinent where pitches are usually batting friendly with small boundaries, bowlers can't afford to bowl lose line and lengths.

As a bowler, commitment, accuracy and patience are key if you want to excel on subcontinental tracks where the margin of error is too small. Here, let's have a look at the bowlers who have performed exceptionally well and have taken most wickets in Asia Cup history.

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#5 Chaminda Vaas

Vaas appealing for an LBW

Chaminda Vaas was considered as the backbone of the Sri Lankan pace attack during his cricketing years. The left arm pacer, who holds the record for best bowling figures in ODIs, 8/19 against Zimbabwe in 2001, finds himself at the fifth spot. He has taken a total of 23 wickets in 19 matches at an average of 27.78.

# 4 Lasith Malinga

Sri Lanka v Pakistan - ICC Champions Trophy

Known as 'Slinga Malinga' for his distinctive round-arm action, Lasith Malinga is renowned for his death bowling. The right arm pacer, who is the second highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket, is at the fourth position in the list with 24 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 21.12.

Recently, Lasith is included in the list of players who are part of the Asia Cup 2018 for Sri Lanka. Now, the slingy fast bowler stands a chance to add more wickets to his kitty and improve his ranking.

# 3 Saeed Ajmal

Pakistan v England - 1st One Day International

Pakistani off-spinner, who made his debut in ODIs at the age of 30, is sitting pretty well at number three in the list. Ajmal, often booked by umpires for illegal bowling action, was banned several times by ICC during last few years of his cricketing career. Although Ajmal's career was short-lived, he had made a huge name for himself with his brilliant performances with the ball in all three formats of the game. The spin Wizard has taken a total of 25 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 19.40 which is quite impressive.

# 2 Ajantha Mendis

Mendis bowling at the nets

Ajantha Mendis was a sensation when he first appeared on the big stage due to the variety in his bowling. Mendis played a decisive part in the 2008 Asia Cup final between Sri Lanka and India where he dismantled the Indian batting line-up (containing the likes of Gambhir, Sehwag, Yuvraj etc) and ended up with the figures of 6/13 in the match. The spinner from the island nation, who has a total of 26 wickets in eight matches at an impressive average of 10.42 is 2nd on the list.

# 1 Muttiah Muralitharan

Sri Lanka Nets Session - 2011 ICC World Cup

No list of bowling records is ever complete without the name of the legendary off-spinner, Muttiah Muralitharan, who is the highest wicket taker of all-time in ODIs and Tests. Murali was tough to tackle even for the world-class batsmen because of his variations and ability to spin the ball long way. Regarded as one of the best spin bowlers of all time, Murali, tops the list with a total of 30 wickets to his name in 24 matches at an average of 28.83.