How Many Times Pakistan Won Asia Cup

The Asia Cup is one of the most prestigious cricket tournaments in the Asian continent, bringing together the best cricketing nations from Asia. Pakistan, a cricket-crazy nation, has had its share of success in the Asia Cup, lifting the trophy twice. In this blog, we will explore Pakistan’s journey in the Asia Cup, including its victories, close encounters, and overall performance in the tournament.

Overview of the Asia Cup

The Asia Cup was established in 1984 by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to promote goodwill and harmony between the cricket-playing nations of Asia. It is the only regional tournament in cricket, featuring teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and, more recently, Afghanistan and other Asian nations.

The Asia Cup alternates between ODI (One Day International) and T20 formats, depending on the upcoming global ICC tournaments. Over the years, Pakistan has been a regular participant, often delivering remarkable performances.

How Many Times Has Pakistan Won the Asia Cup?

Pakistan has won the Asia Cup twice, with their victories coming in 2000 and 2012. Both wins were achieved in the ODI format of the tournament.

Let’s take a look at the details of these victories and how Pakistan claimed the prestigious title.

1. 2000: Pakistan’s First Asia Cup Victory

Pakistan’s first triumph in the Asia Cup came in the year 2000 under the captaincy of Moin Khan. This victory was particularly special as it ended a long wait for Pakistan, who had been part of the tournament since its inception in 1984 but had not yet won the title.

Journey to the Final

• Venue: Bangladesh (Dhaka)
• Captain: Moin Khan
• Pakistan’s Performance: The 2000 edition of the Asia Cup was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pakistan played with determination and skill throughout the tournament. In the group stages, Pakistan showed consistent form, defeating teams like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to secure their place in the final.

The Final:

• Date: June 5, 2000
• Opponent: Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka’s Score: 238/9 (50 overs)
• Pakistan’s Score: 241/2 (43 overs)

In the final, Pakistan faced Sri Lanka, a formidable opponent. Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 238/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Pakistan, however, was up to the challenge. A masterful innings from Saeed Anwar, who scored a brilliant 82 runs, anchored Pakistan’s chase. Imran Nazir also contributed with a quick-fire 52 runs at the top of the order. Pakistan comfortably chased down the target with 7 overs to spare, scoring 241/2, and claimed their first Asia Cup title with an emphatic 8-wicket victory.

Key Players:

• Saeed Anwar: His elegant batting at the top of the order was crucial in Pakistan’s successful chase.
• Abdul Razzaq: A versatile all-rounder, Razzaq’s contributions with both the bat and ball throughout the tournament were invaluable.

Significance of the Win:

This victory was a breakthrough for Pakistan in the Asia Cup, marking the team’s rise as a dominant force in Asian cricket. It also cemented Moin Khan’s legacy as a successful captain and Saeed Anwar’s reputation as one of the finest openers in the world.

2. 2012: Pakistan’s Second Asia Cup Victory

Pakistan’s second Asia Cup triumph came 12 years later, in 2012. This edition was also held in Bangladesh, and Pakistan, led by Misbah-ul-Haq, showcased resilience and strong performances throughout the tournament.

Journey to the Final

• Venue: Bangladesh (Dhaka)
• Captain: Misbah-ul-Haq
• Pakistan’s Performance: Pakistan entered the 2012 Asia Cup with a solid mix of experienced players and emerging talents. After defeating Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the group stages, Pakistan secured their place in the final. However, they did suffer a loss to India, where Virat Kohli scored a stunning 183. Despite this setback, Pakistan’s overall performance was strong enough to advance to the final.

The Thrilling Final:

• Date: March 22, 2012
• Opponent: Bangladesh
• Pakistan’s Score: 236/9 (50 overs)
• Bangladesh’s Score: 234/8 (50 overs)

The 2012 final was a nail-biter. Pakistan batted first and posted a total of 236/9 in 50 overs. Sarfraz Ahmed played a vital innings, scoring a steady 46 not out*, and Mohammad Hafeez contributed with 40 runs.

Bangladesh, playing in front of a home crowd, fought valiantly in their chase. They came agonizingly close but fell just 2 runs short, finishing on 234/8 in 50 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal, held their nerve in the final overs to secure a thrilling victory.

Key Players:

• Sarfraz Ahmed: His crucial unbeaten 46 at the lower order ensured Pakistan had a defendable total.
• Saeed Ajmal: The wily off-spinner played a pivotal role in restricting Bangladesh during the crucial middle overs.
• Shahid Afridi: Known for his all-round prowess, Afridi made key contributions with both bat and ball throughout the tournament.

Significance of the Win:

This win was special for Pakistan as it came against a determined Bangladesh side on their home ground. The victory demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to handle pressure and reinforced their status as one of Asia’s top cricketing teams. The emotional win left Bangladesh heartbroken, but it showed how competitive the team had become.

Pakistan’s Overall Performance in the Asia Cup

While Pakistan has won the Asia Cup twice, they have consistently been one of the most competitive teams in the tournament. Let’s take a look at some of Pakistan’s notable performances and near-misses over the years:

1986 – Runner-Up

Pakistan came close to winning their first Asia Cup in 1986 but lost to Sri Lanka in the final by 5 wickets. This was the first Asia Cup held outside India, and Pakistan performed well throughout the tournament, but their campaign ended in heartbreak.

2014 – Runner-Up

In the 2014 Asia Cup, Pakistan reached the final once again. This time, they faced Sri Lanka but were unable to overcome their opponents, losing by 5 wickets. Despite losing the final, Shahid Afridi’s heroics in the group stage, including a last-over six against India, made this a memorable tournament for Pakistani fans.

2018 – Group Stage Exit

The 2018 Asia Cup was a disappointing campaign for Pakistan. Held in the UAE, the tournament saw Pakistan struggle against India, losing both group-stage matches comprehensively. Pakistan failed to reach the final, which was eventually contested between India and Bangladesh.

Key Players in Pakistan’s Asia Cup Victories

2000:

• Saeed Anwar: The legendary opener played a key role in the final with a match-winning knock.
• Abdul Razzaq: A consistent performer throughout the tournament with his all-round abilities.

2012:

• Umar Gul: His death bowling in the final helped Pakistan defend a modest total.
• Saeed Ajmal: One of the best spinners of the tournament, his performances were key in Pakistan’s success.

Conclusion

Pakistan has won the Asia Cup twice, in 2000 and 2012, making them one of the top-performing teams in the tournament’s history. Both victories were memorable, with Pakistan showing exceptional skill, determination, and the ability to handle pressure in crucial matches.

The Asia Cup has always been a highly competitive tournament for Pakistan, and while they’ve had their share of ups and downs, their two titles reflect their prowess in regional cricket. As the tournament continues to evolve with new teams and formats, Pakistan remains a strong contender to add more Asia Cup titles to their trophy cabinet in the future.

Fans eagerly await the next edition, hoping to witness Pakistan lifting the trophy once again!