Cricket is a sport that is loved by millions of fans around the world. It is a game of skill, strategy, and passion, where teams compete in different formats and conditions.
But which are the best men’s cricket teams in the world right now? How do they rank according to the official International Cricket Council (ICC) ratings?
And what are their strengths and weaknesses?
Here we will answer these questions and more, as we present the top 10 best men’s cricket teams in the world, based on the latest ICC rankings.
10. Bangladesh
Bangladesh has been playing international cricket since 1979 but only gained Test status in 2000.
Since then, they have improved steadily, especially in the limited-overs formats.
They reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, and the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy in 2017.
They have also won several bilateral series against higher-ranked teams, such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The team’s batting strength is led by the experienced and prolific Shakib Al Hasan, who is also the top-ranked all-rounder in the world. He is supported by other talented batsmen, including Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, and Liton Das.
However, their bowling unit is less consistent, heavily relying on spinners such as Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan, while their pace attack is relatively weak and lacks depth and experience.
In the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, Bangladesh holds the eighth position, reflecting their progress and potential in the ODI format.
With 45 matches played and 3,888 points, the Bangladeshi cricket team has a rating of 86, showcasing their progress and potential in the ODI format. In Test cricket, Bangladesh ranks ninth in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, with 19 matches played and 873 points, earning them a rating of 46.
9. West Indies
The West Indies cricket team, known for its legendary status in the sport, has a rich history of success, having secured two World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979, a Champions Trophy win in 2004, and two World T20 titles in 2012 and 2016.
Renowned for their power-hitting and flair, they possess some of the most explosive batsmen in the world, including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Evin Lewis.
In addition, the team boasts quality fast bowlers such as Kemar Roach, Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel, and Alzarri Joseph, known for their ability to generate pace and bounce.
In the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, with 41 matches played and 2,926 points, the West Indian cricket team has a rating of 71, highlighting their skill and determination in the ODI format.
In Test cricket, West Indies ranks eighth in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, with 28 matches played and 2,154 points, earning them a rating of 77.
The West Indian Test team’s rich cricketing heritage and their ability to overcome challenges have earned them a respected position among the top Test teams in the world.
8. Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan cricket team is known for its innovative and aggressive style, which has revolutionized the game.
They have won the World Cup once, in 1996, and the World T20 once, in 2014, and have reached the finals of the World Cup in 2007 and 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2013.
Their team is better known for its resilience and talent, and holds the seventh position in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. With 47 matches played and 4,134 points, the Sri Lankan cricket team has a rating of 88, showcasing their skill and determination in the ODI format.
In Test cricket, Sri Lanka ranks seventh in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, with 27 matches played and 2,123 points, earning them a rating of 79.
The Sri Lankan Test team’s commitment to the game and their ability to overcome challenges has earned them a respected position among the top Test teams in the world.
7. Afghanistan
The Afghanistan cricket team has a remarkable and inspiring story, having risen from a war-torn and troubled nation to the global stage.
They have been playing international cricket since 2009 and gained Test status in 2017.
The team has qualified for the World Cup twice, in 2015 and 2019, and the World T20 four times, in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016.
They have also won the Intercontinental Cup in 2010, and the World Cricket League Championship in 2015.
The team’s strength lies in their passion and determination, making them a formidable and fearless team. They have some of the most talented and exciting players in the world, such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Shahzad.
They also have some of the most lethal and economical spinners in the world, such as Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi, who can bamboozle any batsman with their variations and accuracy.
In the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings Afghanistan holds the ninth position in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings.
With 30 matches played and 2,533 points, the Afghan cricket team has a rating of 84, showcasing their talent and potential in the ODI format.
6. Pakistan
Pakistan is the sixth-ranked team in the world, with a rating of 97. They are one of the most unpredictable and thrilling teams in cricket, having the ability to beat any team on their day.
They have also reached the finals of the World Cup in 1999 and the World T20 in 2007 and 2009, winning the latter.
Pakistan’s strength lies in their bowling, which is one of the best and most diverse in the world, featuring skillful and lethal fast bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, and Mohammad Amir, as well as cunning and crafty spinners like Saqlain Mushtaq, Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Shah, and Shadab Khan. However, their batting is often fragile and unreliable.
Pakistan holds the fourth position in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. With 36 matches played and 3,922 points, the Pakistani cricket team has a rating of 109, demonstrating their strength in the ODI format.
In Test cricket, Pakistan ranks sixth in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, with 25 matches played and 2,304 points, earning them a rating of 92.
The Pakistani Test team’s competitive spirit and talent make them a force to be reckoned with in the longer format of the game.
5. South Africa
South Africa is one of the most balanced and competitive teams in cricket, having the talent and resources to excel in all formats and conditions.
They have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup four times, in 1992, 1999, 2007, and 2015, and the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy three times, in 2000, 2002, and 2013.
They also won the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship in 2013.
South Africa’s strength lies in their all-round ability, making them a formidable and adaptable team. They have some of the most accomplished and versatile players in the world, such as Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Graeme Smith, and Faf du Plessis. They also have some of the most potent and disciplined bowlers in the world, such as Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, Allan Donald, and Kagiso Rabada.
In the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, South Africa holds the third position, with 37 matches played and 4,062 points, a rating of 109, showcasing their prowess in the ODI format.
In Test cricket, South Africa ranks fourth, with 21 matches played and 2,182 points, earning them a rating of 104. The South African Test team’s consistent performance reflects their status as a top Test-playing nation.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand Cricket Team is one of the most respected and admired teams in cricket, having the reputation of being the nice guys and the underdogs.
They have reached the finals of the World Cup twice, in 2015 and 2019, and the semi-finals of the World T20 four times, in 2007, 2009, 2016, and 2021. They have also won the World Test Championship in 2021, beating India in the final.
New Zealand’s strength lies in its teamwork and spirit, which makes them a cohesive and resilient team. They have some of the most humble and hardworking players in the world, such as Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum, and Daniel Vettori. They also have some of the most skillful and reliable bowlers in the world, such as Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Mitchell Santner.
In the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, New Zealand holds the fifth position, with 44 matches played and 4,536 points, a rating of 103, showcasing their proficiency in the ODI format.
In Test cricket, New Zealand ranks fifth in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, with 23 matches played and 2,291 points, earning them a rating of 100.
3. England
England is one of the most dominant and dynamic teams in cricket, having the resources and infrastructure to excel in all formats and conditions.
They have won the World Cup once, in 2019, and the World T20 once, in 2010. They have also reached the finals of the Champions Trophy twice, in 2004 and 2013.
They have been the number-one ranked team in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is at different points in time.
England’s strength lies in their powerful and explosive batsmen, such as Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, and Jason Roy, as well as their effective and experienced bowlers, like James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid.
In the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, England holds the sixth position, with 41 matches played and 3,934 points, a rating of 96, highlighting their competitive edge in the ODI format.
In Test cricket, England ranks third in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, with 43 matches played and 4,941 points, earning them a rating of 115.
2. Australia
Australia is undeniably one of the most formidable and successful teams in cricket history.
They have an impressive track record, having won the World Cup five times, in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, and 2023.
Additionally, they have reached the finals of the Champions Trophy twice, in 2006 and 2009, and have been the number one ranked team in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is at different points in time.
The team’s strength lies in their aggression and confidence, making them a ruthless and competitive force.
They are home to some of the most talented and fearless batsmen in the world, such as Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell.
Furthermore, they boast some of the fastest and most formidable bowlers globally, including the likes of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins.
In the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, Australia holds the second position, with 42 matches played and 4,926 points, boasting a rating of 117, which solidifies their status as a formidable ODI side.
In Test cricket, Australia also maintains a strong presence, securing the second spot in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings.
With 30 matches played and 3,534 points, the Australian Test team has a rating of 118, placing them in close competition with India.
Their dominance in the sport is further underscored by their status as the most successful team in Test cricket history, in terms of overall wins, win-loss ratio, and wins percentage.
1. India
Indian Cricket team is one of the most popular and influential teams in cricket, having the largest fan base and market.
They have achieved significant success, having won the World Cup twice, in 1983 and 2011, and reaching the finals of the Champions Trophy three times, in 2000, 2013, and 2017, winning twice.
Additionally, they have held the number-one ranking in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is at the time of writing this article.
Although an allrounder team, India’s strength lies in their batting making them a formidable and adaptable team.
They are home to some of the most legendary and prolific batsmen in the world, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni.
Furthermore, they boast some of the most cunning and varied spinners globally, including Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, and fast bowlers like Bumrah and Shami.
One common weakness is their ability to chase big targets, particularly those exceeding 350 runs. There are also doubts about their lower-middle to lower-order batting, as well as their ability to recover after early dismissals of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
In the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, India currently holds the top position, with 56 matches played and 6,800 points, boasting a rating of 121, which solidifies its status as the leading ODI team in the world.
In Test cricket, India also maintains a strong presence, securing the top spot in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings. With 29 matches played and 3,434 points, the Indian Test team has a rating of 118, solidifying their position as one of the best Test teams in the world.
These are the top 10 best men’s cricket teams in the world, based on the latest ICC rankings. They have their own strengths and weaknesses, and their own challenges and opportunities. They have also given us some of the most memorable and thrilling matches and moments in cricket history. They will continue to compete and entertain us in the future, as they strive to achieve their goals and dreams.