Ravindra Jadeja Achieves Record as Leading Bowler for India in Asia Cup History
In a significant accomplishment, Indian left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja has made history by becoming the top wicket-taker for India in ODI format in the Asia Cup, surpassing the previous record-holder Irfan Pathan. This milestone was reached during a Super Four stage match against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Jadeja displayed his exceptional skill, securing two crucial wickets while conceding only 33 runs in the match, bringing his total wicket count in the Asia Cup to an impressive 24 wickets in 18 innings, surpassing Irfan Pathan’s 22 wickets achieved in 12 innings.
It’s worth noting that Kuldeep Yadav is also a contender with 19 wickets in nine innings. In the broader context of the Asia Cup, Jadeja ranks as the fifth-highest wicket-taker, with Muthiah Muralidaran leading the charts with 30 scalps in 24 innings.
India’s bowling unit worked effectively to halt Sri Lanka’s 13-match unbeaten streak in ODIs, securing a place in the final of the 2023 Asia Cup with a game to spare. This victory came as Sri Lanka was bowled out for just 172 runs while chasing a modest target at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
While spinners from both sides played pivotal roles in the match, the pacers also made significant contributions to India’s 41-run victory over the co-hosts. Earlier in the game, the dynamic duo of Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka made breakthroughs in India’s top-order, ultimately limiting the Men in Blue to a total of 213 runs. Wellalage, in particular, achieved a remarkable milestone by securing his maiden 5-wicket haul, single-handedly dismantling India’s formidable batting lineup. His victims included renowned batters such as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya.