The Asia Cup has always been a stage for high-pressure matches and unforgettable performances. Over the years, several cricketing legends have risen to the occasion, delivering match-winning knocks and spells that shaped the destiny of their teams. One of the most coveted individual honours in the tournament is the Player of the Match (POTM) award, given to the standout performer of each game.
Virat Kohli leads the pack with the most POTM awards in Asia Cup history. Let’s take a detailed look at the top five players with the most POTM awards in the tournament.
Top Asia Cup POTM Award Winners (ODI + T20I Combined)
| Rank | Player | Country | POTM Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | 7 |
| 2 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 5 |
| 3 | Shoaib Malik | Pakistan | 4 |
| 4 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 4 |
| 5 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 4 |
1. Virat Kohli (India) – 7 POTM Awards
Virat Kohli, often called the “King of Chases”, has been the backbone of India batting in both ODIs and T20Is. With 7 Player of the Match awards, he is the all-time leader in Asia Cup history.
Kohli memorable knocks include his record-breaking 183 against Pakistan in 2012 and several clutch performances in tight chases. His ability to adapt to pressure and dominate the best bowlers has made him the most consistent match-winner in the tournament.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 5 POTM Awards
The former Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya was a nightmare for bowlers in the 1990s and 2000s. He holds 5 POTM awards, the most in the ODI format of the Asia Cup.
Jayasuriya aggressive batting at the top, coupled with his handy left-arm spin, made him a genuine match-winner. His blistering starts often gave Sri Lanka the upper hand, and he remains one of the greatest performers in Asia Cup history.
3. Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) – 4 POTM Awards
Shoaib Malik, one of Pakistan most reliable all-rounders, has bagged 4 POTM awards in Asia Cup tournaments. Known for his calm batting in the middle order and his off-spin bowling, Malik was often Pakistan go-to man in crunch games.
His ability to perform with both bat and ball ensured that he was always in contention for match awards whenever Pakistan played high-stakes matches.
4. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 4 POTM Awards
The elegant left-hander Kumar Sangakkara was a pillar of Sri Lanka batting line-up. With 4 POTM awards, he proved his consistency across multiple editions of the Asia Cup.
Sangakkara silky stroke play, combined with his experience and temperament, made him one of the toughest batters to dismiss. His crucial knocks often carried Sri Lanka deep into tournaments.
5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 4 POTM Awards
The explosive Shahid Afridi completes the top five with 4 POTM awards. Known as “Boom Boom Afridi”, he lit up Asia Cup matches with his destructive batting and match-turning leg-spin.
Afridi fearless six-hitting ability and knack for picking up key wickets made him one of the most entertaining and impactful players in Asia Cup history.The Asia Cup has seen many iconic performances, but the names on this list show who consistently turned games in their team’s favour. With Kohli leading the charts till 2025, and legends like Jayasuriya, Sangakkara, Afridi, and Malik right behind, the record of most POTM awards highlights some of the greatest cricketers to have graced the Asia Cup stage.
