Shoaib Akhtar’s 3 best performances in Asia Cup 

The stage is set. The players are toiling hard. All eyes are on the 2023 ODI World Cup. Yes, the final phase of preparations for the Asian teams will begin when Pakistan take on Nepal in Multan on August 30 in the 16th edition of the Asia Cup 2023. The two-time champions Pakistan will see their opening match as a warm-up as their next encounter will be a blockbuster clash against arch-rivals India on September 2.

Over the years, Pakistan has been one of the strongest teams in the continental event. Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik and Younus Khan are a few to name who have been phenomenal for the Men in Green in the Asia Cup. In the upcoming season, the spotlight will be on skipper Babar Azam and speedster Shaheen Afridi.

Continuing on the same, let’s take a look at former Pakistan pace sensation Shoaib Akhtar’s top three best performances in the Asia Cup.

3. 2/33 vs Bangladesh in Colombo in 2004

In the 12th match of the 2004 Asia Cup, Pakistan bowlers tore through the Bangladesh batting unit and restricted them to 166/10 in 45.2 overs. While Shabbir Ahmed (32-3) was the wrecker in chief, Akhtar also gave a hell of a time for the opposition with his fiery spell. The right-arm pacer conceded just 33 runs and took 2 wickets at an economy rate of 3.66. Pakistan comfortably chased down the target with 9 overs to spare.

2. 3/41 vs Sri Lanka in 2010

The opening match of the 2010 Asia Cup between Pakistan and Sri Lanka witnessed some exciting action from both sides. Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka were restricted to 242/9 following a spirited performance by the Pakistan bowlers. Akhtar was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan as he claimed three wickets, including the big wicket of Mahela Jayawardene. However, Akhtar’s 3-fer and Shahid Afridi’s scintillating ton were single-handedly broken by Lasith Malinga. The legendary pacer became the hero of the match as he took five wickets to give Sri Lanka a thrilling 16-run victory.

1. 3/30 vs Bangladesh in 2004

Batting first in the third match of the 2004 Asia Cup, Pakistan put up 257 runs on the board on the back of Inzamam-ul-Haq’s half-century and Yasir Hameed’s magnificent ton. Their batting efforts were well-complimented by bowlers who bowled out The Tigers for 181 in 45.2 overs. Akhtar was the main destroyer as he took three wickets conceding only 30 runs at an economy of 3.