Best Wicketkeepers in Asia Cup History

Mushfiqur Rahim, born May 9, 1987, has been the central figure of Bangladesh cricket since his debut in 2005. In the Asia Cup, he leads all wicketkeepers with 32 dismissals, a tally built from 25 in ODIs and 7 in T20Is. His best tournament came in 2012, when, as captain, he guided Bangladesh to their first final, only to lose narrowly to Pakistan. That edition changed Bangladesh’s reputation in Asia, proving they could fight for trophies. In 2018, his innings of 99 against Pakistan, after the team collapsed to 12/3, remains one of the bravest knocks by a wicketkeeper in the tournament. Rahim’s numbers show his consistency, but his importance went beyond dismissals. He often stabilized the batting when Bangladesh needed someone to resist under pressure. Even in 2023, he added valuable runs and key catches, though he missed matches due to family matters. As of 2025, he is still active, and his leadership and record leave him firmly established as Asia Cup’s leading wicketkeeper.

Kumar Sangakkara, born October 27, 1977, played for Sri Lanka from 2000 to 2015. In the Asia Cup, he collected 24 ODI dismissals while also serving as one of the finest batters of the tournament. His peak came in 2014, when he scored 245 runs in five innings, including a match-winning century against India in Fatullah. Sangakkara combined elegance with consistency, giving Sri Lanka both security behind the stumps and reliability with the bat. In five editions, he helped his side win three titles, often stepping up in finals as the steady hand in high-pressure games. Even after retirement, his Asia Cup record stands as one of the most balanced careers by any wicketkeeper, mixing efficiency with batting dominance.

MS Dhoni, born July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, was India’s captain and one of the most influential wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history. In the Asia Cup records, he registered 19 dismissals in ODIs. His fundamental distinction lies in leadership, becoming the only captain to win the Asia Cup in both ODI and T20I formats. India’s win in 2010 against Sri Lanka showed his tactical skills, and in 2016, he repeated his success in the shorter format. His keeping was sharp, with quick stumpings and safe hands, while his batting in finals and knockouts often sealed games. Dhoni retired in 2019, but his double achievement as captain in both formats remains unmatched in the history of the Asia Cup.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, born May 22, 1987, became Pakistan’s leading wicketkeeper during the 2010s. Across Asia Cups, he recorded 17 dismissals, 13 in ODIs and 4 in T20Is. His strength lay in quick reflexes against spin and loud instructions that guided bowlers in tense situations. He also added valuable runs in the middle and lower order, often providing stability in tight matches. Though not Pakistan’s first-choice keeper in 2025, his combined record places him among the top performers in the tournament’s history. His time in the Asia Cups reflected both his skills with the gloves and his influence as a leader on the field.

Dinesh Karthik, born June 1, 1985, made his international debut in 2004. Across Asia Cups, he notched 15 dismissals, 12 in ODIs and 3 in T20Is. His standout moment came in the 2010 final against Sri Lanka, where his 66 runs earned him the Man of the Match award and helped India lift the trophy. Later, in the 2018 edition, his steady glovework and valuable middle-order runs provided balance when Dhoni was absent. Karthik often filled roles quietly, whether behind the stumps or with the bat, ensuring India maintained stability. Though retired from internationals by 2025, his contribution to Asia Cup victories remains part of his career highlights.

Moin Khan, born September 23, 1971, served as Pakistan’s wicketkeeper through the 1990s. In Asia Cup matches, he logged 14 dismissals. His most memorable contribution came in the 1995 edition, where Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in Sharjah, and Moin’s stumpings and vocal guidance energized the side. He was known for his aggressive approach, both as a batsman who could score quick runs and as a keeper who never allowed batters to relax. Retiring in 2004, Moin left behind the reputation of being the voice of Pakistan’s winning squads in the tournament.

Khaled Mashud, born February 8, 1976, was Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper during their early Asia Cup years. He finished with 14 dismissals in the tournament, at a time when Bangladesh were still learning to compete with top Asian teams. His batting seldom grabbed headlines, but his reliable glovework gave the side a much-needed anchor. Mashud’s career helped set the platform for later Bangladeshi keepers such as Mushfiqur Rahim. Retiring in 2004, he remains remembered as one of the pioneers of Bangladesh’s cricket development.

Rahul Dravid, born January 11, 1973, is better known as India’s batting legend, yet in the early 2000s, he also kept wickets in limited-overs cricket to balance team selection. In the Asia Cup, he recorded 13 dismissals while also producing noteworthy batting performances. His dual role allowed India to field an extra bowler or batsman without weakening their setup. Though not a specialist, his discipline behind the stumps reflected the same approach he applied with the bat. Dravid retired in 2012, leaving behind a rare record as a part-time keeper who still managed to rank among the top names in Asia Cup history.

Romesh Kaluwitharana, born November 24, 1969, is remembered for reshaping the opener’s role in the 1990s with his attacking starts. In the Asia Cup, he recorded 8 ODI dismissals. His best tournament came in 1997, when Sri Lanka lifted the trophy, and his dual role as opener and keeper added strength to the side. While his dismissals were fewer compared to later keepers, his contribution lay in the energy he brought both behind the stumps and at the top of the batting order. He retired by the late 1990s, but his influence on Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup rise remains clear.

Mohammad Rizwan, born June 1, 1992, has become one of Pakistan’s most reliable modern cricketers. In the 2022 Asia Cup, he recorded six dismissals in T20Is and also finished as the top run-scorer of the tournament with 281 runs. His ability to dominate with both bat and gloves made him the centerpiece of Pakistan’s campaign. As of 2025, he continues as one of the world’s leading T20 players, giving Pakistan a combination of stability behind the stumps and strength at the top of the order. His 2022 campaign, where he combined batting dominance with sharp wicketkeeping, is already part of Asia Cup history.