All time Best Asian ODI playing XI

The next edition of the Asia Cup will start on August 30 with Sri Lanka being the defending champions. They have won the title seven times. After that, India has won it six times. Pakistan, one of the supreme forces in Asia for a longer time than Sri Lanka, has won the continental title only twice (2000 and 2012). Bangladesh has played three finals from 2012 to 2018.

Afghanistan has only played three editions from 2014 to 2022. The likes of Hong Kong and UAE have only played the tournament for a limited time. Meanwhile, from 1984 to 2022, a lot of legendary players have played in the tournament. In this listicle, we will bring together the best players from Asia to construct a combined playing XI.

Best Asia XI of all-time

Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (Source - Twitter)

1. Top-order batters:

Sachin Tendulkar has 971 runs in 23 games from 1990-2012 Asia Cups. He is the third-highest run-getter of all time only behind Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara. He will open the innings with long-time Indian teammate, Virender Sehwag. As said by Kyle Mills in 2009, Sachin takes his time while Sehwag likes to go from ball one.

The latter has 509 runs in 13 games. As the likes of Sachin and Sehwag will open, former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara can bat at number three. The left-hander has 1075 runs in 24 games, only behind Jayasuriya's 1220. 

2. Middle-Order batters, wicketkeeper, and all-rounder:

The likes of Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik will easily make it into the side. The former has 591 runs in 13 games while Malik has 786 runs in 17 games. Talking about the all-rounder and wicketkeeper slot, Shahid Afridi and MS Dhoni will come in respectively. The latter will be leading the side. 

3 Bowlers:

Sri Lanka great, Muttiah Muralidaran, who is the all-time highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs will get into the side easily. He is also the all-time highest wicket-taker in the Asia Cups from 1995 to 2010 with 30 wickets to his name. Other bowlers such as Lasith Malinga (29), Umar Gul (14), and Mustafizur Rahman (10) will make it into the side.