Introduction:
The Oldest Centurion in Asia Cup History: Sanath Jayasuriya. The Asia Cup is a one-day international (ODI) cricket tournament that is contested by the national teams of Asia. It is the second oldest international cricket tournament in the world, after the Cricket World Cup.
The Asia Cup has been played 15 times since its inception in 1984. India has won the tournament a record seven times, followed by Sri Lanka with six titles.
Sanath Jayasuriya is one of the greatest batsmen and the Oldest Centurion of all time. He is known for his explosive batting style and his ability to hit the ball long distances. Jayasuriya played 442 ODIs for Sri Lanka, scoring 13,430 runs at an average of 34.01. He also scored 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries.
Jayasuriya’s Century in the 2008 Asia Cup Final
The 2008 Asia Cup final was played between India and Sri Lanka on June 24, 2008, at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first.
Jayasuriya opened the batting with Mahela Jayawardene. He started slowly, but he gradually picked up the pace of his innings. He hit several boundaries and sixes, and he reached his century in just 114 balls.
Jayasuriya’s century helped Sri Lanka post a total of 273 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs. India was bowled out for 173 runs in 39.3 overs, and Sri Lanka won the match by 100 runs.
What Made Jayasuriya’s Century So Special?
Jayasuriya’s century in the 2008 Asia Cup final was special for a number of reasons.
First, it was the final of a major tournament. Jayasuriya scored his century under pressure, and he helped Sri Lanka win the match.
Second, Jayasuriya was 39 years old at the time. He is the oldest centurion in Asia Cup history.
Third, Jayasuriya scored his century against India. India is one of the strongest teams in the world, and Jayasuriya’s century was a testament to his quality as a batsman.
Other Notable Centurions in Asia Cup History
There have been a number of other notable centurions in Asia Cup history. These include:
- Sachin Tendulkar (India): Tendulkar scored 114 runs against Bangladesh in the 2008 Asia Cup final.
- Virender Sehwag (India): Sehwag scored 126 runs against Sri Lanka in the 2004 Asia Cup.
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): Sangakkara scored 110 runs against India in the 2008 Asia Cup final.
- Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka): Dilshan scored 116 runs against India in the 2008 Asia Cup group stage.
- Virat Kohli (India): Kohli scored 122 runs against Bangladesh in the 2012 Asia Cup.
- Shikhar Dhawan (India): Dhawan scored 114 runs against Bangladesh in the 2014 Asia Cup final.
- Rohit Sharma (India): Sharma scored 122 runs against Sri Lanka in the 2018 Asia Cup final.
- Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan): Zaman scored 114 runs against India in the 2018 Asia Cup final.
- Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka): Perera scored 115 runs against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup group stage.
- Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): Nissanka scored 107 runs against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup group stage.
- Babar Azam (Pakistan): Azam scored 103 runs against India in the 2022 Asia Cup final.
Conclusion
Sanath Jayasuriya is the oldest centurion in Asia Cup history. He scored his century at the age of 39 years and 6 days, in the 2008 Asia Cup final against India.
Sanath Jayasuriya’s century in the 2008 Asia Cup final was a special moment in cricket history. He was 39 years old at the time, making him the oldest centurion in Asia Cup history. He also scored his century against India, one of the strongest teams in the world.
Jayasuriya’s century helped Sri Lanka win the Asia Cup title for the first time since 1997. It was a fitting end to a brilliant career for one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
Jayasuriya’s century is a reminder that age is just a number. If you are passionate about the game and you work hard, you can achieve anything.