From 2016 to 2025, three Asia Cup editions were played in T20I format. India won the inaugural 2016 edition, remaining unbeaten under MS Dhoni. Sri Lanka claimed the 2022 title, led by Bhanuka Rajapaksa, while India triumphed again in 2025, beating Pakistan in a thrilling final with Tilak Varma starring.
Asia Cup was played in T20I format for the first time in 2016
The Asia Cup is one of the most exciting multi-nation tournaments in international cricket, featuring fierce battles among Asia’s top cricketing nations. The tournament began in 1984 in a 50-over format and has grown into a prestigious event in the cricketing calendar.
Traditionally held every two years, this serves as a key preparation platform for the upcoming ICC events. India are the most successful team in the tournament’s history with eight titles, followed by Sri Lanka with six and Pakistan with two. Bangladesh has reached multiple finals but is yet to claim their first trophy.
Originally played in the ODI format, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) decided in 2016 to align the tournament format with the upcoming ICC event. As the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup was next, that edition was played in T20I format.
Since then, three editions—2016, 2022, and 2025—have been contested in T20I format. Below is a complete look at all the T20I Asia Cup winners.
1. Asia Cup 2016 winners – India
The 2016 Asia Cup featured five teams—India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, UAE, and hosts Bangladesh. India emerged victorious, becoming the inaugural champions of the T20I Asia Cup.
Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all five matches. The final, held at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, saw India face Bangladesh in a rain-shortened 15-over contest.
Bangladesh were restricted to 120/5 as Indian bowlers dominated, while Shikhar Dhawan’s 60-run innings guided India to an eight-wicket win in the 14th over. Dhawan was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.
2. Asia Cup 2022 winners – Sri Lanka
The 2022 Asia Cup, held in the UAE, featured six teams—India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. Sri Lanka and Pakistan advanced to the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In response, Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated. Pramod Madushan took four wickets, while Hasaranga added three more, restricting Pakistan to 147 and securing a 23-run victory. Rajapaksa was named Player of the Match for his crucial innings.
3. Asia Cup 2025 winners – India
The 2025 Asia Cup, held in the UAE, featured eight teams—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman. India and Pakistan reached the final for the first time in Asia Cup history at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In a thrilling summit clash, India won the toss and chose to field first. After a strong start from Pakistan, Indian bowlers staged a brilliant comeback, restricting the Men in Green to 146 all out.
India’s chase began shakily, losing early wickets, but Tilak Varma (69*), Sanju Samson (24), and Shivam Dube (33) steadied the innings, guiding India to a last-over victory and securing their second T20I Asia Cup title and overall ninth Asia Cup crown.
