In the theatre of Asian cricket, all eyes are fixed on the marquee matchup. The rivalry between India and Pakistan is a showstopper.
But the real story of the Asia Cup belongs to Sri Lanka. With six titles -- four more than Pakistan -- and unmatched consistency, the island nation has quietly been the tournament's second-most dominant force after India, a truth often lost in the shadow of a louder rivalry.
From Underdogs to Serial Champions
The 1980s: Underdogs (1986)
Sri Lanka's first major international trophy came in 1986, a mere five years after being granted full ICC membership and four years after attaining Test status.
In the final, they defeated a formidable Pakistan side featuring legends Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram. This five wicket victory, achieved on home soil, was a watershed moment for the nation's cricket.
The chase was anchored by half-centuries from two emerging young players who would later define an era: Arjuna Ranatunga with a commanding 57 runs and Aravinda de Silva with a crucial 52. Their performances signaled the dawn of a new, competitive era for Sri Lankan cricket, a team no longer content with merely participating.
The 1990s: Post-World Cup Dominance (1997)
Following their historic 1996 cricket World Cup victory, Sri Lanka entered the 1997 Asia Cup as a genuine powerhouse. Their triumph in the tournament affirmed their new status and showcased a team at the pinnacle of its powers.
In the final, Sri Lanka defeated India by eight wickets, with an explosive 63 from the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya leading the way.
The team's cohesive performance, with key contributions from the core of their World Cup-winning squad Ranatunga (62), Marvan Atapattu (84), demonstrated that their prior success was not an isolated event but the hallmark of a new, world-class cricketing force.
The 2000s: The Era of the Legends (2004, 2008)
The mid-to-late 2000s marked a period of consistent Sri Lankan dominance in the Asia Cup, characterised by a new generation of players who would become modern legends.
2004: In a closely contested final against India, Sri Lanka successfully defended a score of 228 to win by 25 runs. The victory was built on the back of a solid batting display, with half-centuries from Captain Marvan Atapattu (65) and Kumar Sangakkara (53), complemented by the potent spin of Upul Chandana (3 wickets) and Sanath Jayasuriya (2 wickets).
2008: The 2008 final in Karachi was a showcase for individual brilliance. Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 273, largely thanks to a scintillating century from Sanath Jayasuriya (125). However, the defining performance came from the revolutionary spinner Ajantha Mendis, who dismantled the Indian batting lineup with a staggering 6 wicket haul for just 13 runs. His figures remain the best by a bowler in an Asia Cup final and sealed a commanding 100 run victory, solidifying this generation's legacy.
The 2010s and Beyond (2014, 2022)
The final two titles in Sri Lanka's tally are a powerful demonstration of the team's ability to win against the odds, even as the 'golden generation' began to phase out.
2014: The 2014 triumph was a final flourish for the aging stalwarts. In the final against Pakistan, Sri Lanka chased down 260 with five wickets to spare. The victory was a team effort, highlighted by a century from Lahiru Thirimanne (101) and an important five wicket haul from fast bowler Lasith Malinga.
2022: The 2022 Asia Cup final was a symbolic upset in the T20 format. Having lost their opening match, a young Sri Lankan side defeated Pakistan by 23 runs in the final, defying expectations.
The victory was a testament to the team's enduring grit and adaptability, with Bhanuka Rajapaksa's unbeaten 71 and Pramod Madushan's four wicket haul proving that a new generation of heroes had arrived, keeping the dynasty alive.
The fact that Sri Lanka's six titles span four distinct decades and were won across both ODI and T20 formats is a testament to the team's long-term systemic strength.
Overshadowed By Rivalry
So why does a team with such pedigree remain underappreciated?
The answer lies beyond the boundary ropes. India versus Pakistan isn't just cricket -- it's history, politics, and a financial juggernaut.
One clash guarantees massive global viewership, record ad sales, and ticket frenzies. Broadcasters build entire rights deals around it.
Against that backdrop, even Sri Lanka's superior record struggles for airtime. Their triumphs are remembered, but rarely celebrated in the same breathless tones. For the media, India-Pakistan sells; Sri Lanka sustains.
The Decline—and the Road Back
What hasn't helped is Sri Lanka's slide since 2015, after legends like Sangakkara, Jayawardene, and Muralitharan retired. A revolving door of captains, inconsistent selections, and the 2023 ICC suspension for governance failures pushed the team into crisis.
But Sri Lanka has been here before. From underdogs in the 1980s to champions in four different decades, resilience has been their identity. If they can rebuild stability -- both in the dressing room and the boardroom -- they can rise again.
Because in the Asia Cup, the stats don't lie: Sri Lanka isn't just part of the story. They are the story that keeps getting ignored.