Asia Cup's Losing Centurions: 5 Centuries That Couldn't Lead to Victory
Since 1984, the Asia Cup has been a consistent platform where teams from the subcontinent compete for supremacy in Asia. Among numerous victories and personal achievements, some standout centuries from the most prominent batsmen have showcased their exceptional individual batting skills, often leading to team losses.
As we eagerly await the 2023 Asia Cup, the team at OneCricket takes a moment to revisit five remarkable hundreds by batsmen that had differing impacts on their teams' outcomes. These innings remind us that even in the quest for exceptional individual batting performance, the taste of defeat can be a bitter reality.
1.Sanath Jayasuriya - 130 vs India in 2004
Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya aggressively attacked the Indian bowlers for almost 47 overs during a tense run-chase. Unfortunately, his dismissal came at a crucial moment, causing the home team to fall just one boundary short of their target.
In a challenging pursuit of 272 runs in Colombo, only Jayasuriya stood strong among the top six home team batsmen. The rest of the top order succumbed to the Indian bowlers. However, Jayasuriya's aggressive yet calculated approach kept the score moving. He hammered 130 runs at a fast pace, with 14 boundaries and a six, until he got out near the end of the match. This left the hosts narrowly missing their target.
2.Shoaib Malik - 125 vs India in 2008
Back in 2008, during a Group B match between Pakistan and arch-rivals India, Shoaib Malik, the captain of Pakistan's team, showcased one of his best performances in One Day Internationals. He faced the challenge posed by India head-on, delivering an impressive innings. Throughout his time at the crease, which spanned 119 balls, he managed to score 16 boundaries and a six.
Shoaib Malik's batting left most Indian bowlers perplexed during his innings. It was only when cramps got the better of him that he was forced to leave the field. Despite his departure, his contribution had set Pakistan on a path to achieve a competitive total, which eventually reached 299 runs.
On the other side, Virender Sehwag, India's opening batter, put on an extraordinary display of aggressive batting. He chased down the target with a commanding 119 runs, guiding India to a remarkable victory with almost eight overs to spare.
3.Shahid Afridi - 109 vs Sri Lanka in 2010
In 2010, during a match against Sri Lanka, Pakistan had the task of chasing a moderate 243 runs for victory. However, they faced a tough situation as they were at 32-4 due to Lasith Malinga's fast bowling skills. At this point, their captain Shahid Afridi, who batted at number six, stepped onto the pitch in the early stages of the game, within the first 14 overs of their innings.
From that moment onward, Afridi took on the challenge of the run-chase almost single-handedly. Despite dealing with the pressure from Malinga's bowling, cramps, a struggling top-order, and an increasing required run rate, Afridi managed to score a remarkable 109 runs. This century stood out as one of the finest moments in his illustrious career.
Afridi's aggressive batting style was on full display as he smashed seven sixes and eight boundaries in his innings of 76 balls. Unfortunately, he got out when Pakistan was just 38 runs short of their target, resulting in a 16-run victory for Sri Lanka.
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4.Litton Das - 121 vs India in 2018
On the final day, Litton Das, the Bangladeshi opener, showcased an outstanding performance that could be considered the highlight of the match and even the entire tournament. With his dynamic right-handed batting style, he skillfully executed cuts, pulls, and sweeps, amassing a captivating score of 121 runs against the Indian bowling attack. This attack included notable names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
During his innings, Das managed to hit two sixes and twelve boundaries, displaying a remarkable display of his batting prowess. Unfortunately, his time at the crease was cut short due to a controversial stumping decision. It's worth mentioning that his score of 121 contributed to more than half of Bangladesh's total of 222 in the title clash. Despite his efforts, Team India managed to chase down this total with the final delivery, securing the 2018 Asia Cup title.
5.Sachin Tendulkar - 114 vs Bangladesh in 2012
In 2012, India suffered a significant loss to Bangladesh in a tournament, mainly remembered for Sachin Tendulkar finally achieving his 100th international century. However, Tendulkar could have played a bit faster, and his painstakingly slow century ended up costing Team India around 20 runs and a potential title.
Teaming up with Gautam Gambhir to open the innings, Tendulkar completed his century after facing 137 balls. He scored a total of 114 runs during his time at the crease, which lasted for 147 balls. In the match, he hit 12 boundaries and a six. This game happened to be one of Tendulkar's final ODI appearances, as he held the record for the most appearances in this format.
Conclusion -
Explore the fascinating narratives of 5 centuries that wound up on the losing side at the Asia Cup. And while you're at it, take a moment to discover the Fast Live Line app and website promotion, designed for ardent cricket fans like you who crave up-to-the-minute updates through cricket live line coverage. Elevate your cricket involvement with the guidance of Live Line Guru, ensuring you're always in the loop and enhancing your live cricket experience.
