Cricket has been a beloved sport for centuries, captivating the hearts of millions around the globe. From its humble beginnings in the south-eastern parts of England, it has grown into a global phenomenon. But who holds the title of the best cricket team in the world in 2023? This blog post dives deep into the factors that determine the best cricket team, the top contenders, and the future of international cricket.

Embark on a journey through the history, triumphs, and memorable moments of the top cricket teams in the world. From legendary players to rising stars, witness the passion and dedication that has shaped the sport we know and love today.

Key Takeaways

• This article evaluates the top 10 cricket teams, based on performances in Test cricket, ODIs and T20Is.
• It also looks at historical achievements, current form and team qualities to determine the best cricket team.
• Captains and coaches have a significant impact on international Cricket through their ability to set strategies, inspire players & make tactical decisions.

Determining the Best Cricket Team

The best cricket team is not solely determined by the number of World Cups won or semi-finals reached. The International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings, which are calculated based on the team rankings, performances, the number of matches played, and points earned, serve as a more comprehensive method of identifying the most successful cricket teams. The list of top ten cricket teams in world cricket is sourced from the ICC itself, thus providing a reliable and unbiased source of information on team rankings.

Various factors, however, including historical achievements, current form, and the unique qualities that each team brings to the field, can influence the best cricket team. In this blog post, we will analyze the top five cricket teams in 2023, taking into account their performances in Test cricket, ODIs, and T20Is.

Top 10 Cricket Teams

In the world of cricket, acknowledging the top five cricket teams in 2023 is of significant interest. These include:

1. India
2. England
3. Australia
4. New Zealand
5. Pakistan
6. Srilanka
7. Bangladesh
8. West indies
9. South africa
10. Afghanistan

Each of these teams has demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and prowess in the various formats of play the game, just like all the teams in win the competition.

The following sections will illuminate the unique strengths and achievements of each team, offering insight into their journey to the top.

India cricket team rankings

A strong batting lineup and impressive bowling attack contribute to India’s dominance in international cricket. The Indian team is packed with young talent, as evidenced by their performance in the 2003 World Cup, where players like:

• Virendra Sehwag
• Yuvraj Singh
• Mohammed Kaif
• Zaheer Khan
• Harbhajan Singh

Played crucial roles. India’s standing in the ICC T20 rankings is first, making them the best in this format.

Legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar and Dhoni have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of future cricketers. The Indian team’s success in the 1983 World Cup under the captaincy of Kapil Dev is a testament to their determination and prowess on the field.

With a rich history of cricketing excellence and an ever-growing pool of talent, India, along with the West Indies, continues to be a dominant force in the world of cricket.

England cricket team rankings

Dating back to the 16th century, England, the birthplace of cricket, prides itself on a rich history. The England cricket team, established in the 18th century, has evolved over the years, adapting to new formats and consistently showcasing its strength. England currently holds the second position in the world cups the ICC T20 rankings, reflecting their prowess in this format of the game.

The English cricket team has a win percentage of 42.95 in international cricket, a testament to their resilience and skill. They have had two victories and also been runners-up in the ICC Champions Trophy twice, in 2004 and 2013. England’s only Cricket World Cup victory came in 2019, but their impact on the sport remains undeniable.

As the birthplace of cricket, England continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of the game.

Australia cricket team rankings

Cricketing excellence is a hallmark of Australia. With five World Cup victories and seven appearances, they have consistently showcased their prowess on the international stage. Legendary players like Allan Border have left an indelible mark on the sport, and their country an impressive record of 34 consecutive World Cup wins, which concluded in 2011, is a testament to their dominance.

The 1990s and early 2000s were Australia’s most prosperous decade in cricket. They have won the World Cup on their home turf in 2015, a feat only shared by India. With such an illustrious history and a legacy of excellence, Australia continues to be a formidable force in the cricketing world.

New Zealand cricket team rankings

Despite often being seen as the underdog in the cricketing world, New Zealand has steadily cemented its status as a formidable cricket team. Their first ODI match was played against Pakistan in 1972-73, marking the beginning of their journey in the world of cricket. Today, they are led by their captain, Kane Williamson, who inspires his team to consistently deliver strong performances.

Players like Stephen Fleming, Richard Hadlee, and Shane Bond have made a significant impact on the sport, showcasing their skill and determination. While New Zealand may be seen as the dark horse in cricket, their sportsmanship and consistent performances have earned them a place among the top cricket teams in the world, including the Sri Lankan team.

Pakistan cricket team rankings

Known as unpredictable giants, Pakistan’s unique ability to produce world-class talent makes them a formidable opponent in the cricketing world, just like the Bangladesh cricket team. Their record in the ICC World Twenty20 includes a victory in 2009 and a runner-up finish in winning the inaugural edition in 2007.

Pakistan’s unpredictability and ability to generate exceptional talent have contributed to their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the cricket world. From their fifth-place finish in the 1975 ICC World Cup to their ever-evolving roster of talented players, Pakistan’s journey in international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable.

Sri Lanka cricket team rankings

The British introduced cricket to Sri Lanka during their colonial rule, with the first recorded match in 1832. The national cricket team, initially known as Ceylon, emerged in the 1880s, eventually gaining Associate Member status from the ICC in 1965. In 1982, they were granted Test status, becoming the eighth Test cricket-playing nation. Under Arjuna Ranatunga’s leadership, Sri Lanka won the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Over the years, iconic players like Aravinda de Silva and Muttiah Muralitharan contributed to their success. Sri Lanka also won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 and the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014. They hold numerous world records, including the highest team total in Test cricket. With a history of 1317 international matches, they currently rank 7th in Tests, 8th in ODIs, and 10th in T20s according to the 2022 ICC Rankings. Sri Lanka Cricket oversees the team’s operations.

Bangladesh cricket team rankings

The Bangladesh cricket team, known as the Tigers and managed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), gained full ICC membership in 2000 after defeating Pakistan in the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup. They faced initial struggles but gradually improved. Bangladesh has challenged top teams and had notable victories, including their first Test series win in the West Indies in 2009.

They began their journey by winning the ICC Trophy in 1997, leading to their debut in the 1999 World Cup. Recent performances, with captains like Mominul Haque (Test), Tamim Iqbal (ODI), and Mahmudullah (T20I), have been promising. In 2022, their ICC rankings are as follows:

– ICC Test Rank: 09

– ICC ODI Rank: 07

– ICC T20 Rank: 09

West Indies cricket team rankings

The West Indies cricket team represents a collective of Caribbean nations and is governed by international cricket council, Cricket West Indies, comprising players from fifteen Caribbean territories. Cricket West Indies is composed of six cricket associations.

Historically, the West Indies team was dominant in Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket during the 1970s to the early 1990s. Legendary players like Sir Garfield Sobers, Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall, and Michael Holding have contributed to their cricket legacy.

The West Indies has claimed the ICC Cricket World Cup twice (in 1975 and 1979) and finished as runners-up in 1983. They also hosted the Cricket World Cup in 2007 and the ICC World Twenty20 in 2010. The team has secured victories in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012 and 2016, the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004, and the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup in 2016. In total, they have played 1550 matches, with 649 wins, 671 losses, 177 draws, and 39 matches with no outcome.

As of the latest ICC 2022 Cricket rankings, the West Indies Cricket Team holds the following positions:

– ICC Test Rank: 08

– ICC ODI Rank: 09

– ICC T20 Rank: 07

South African cricket team rankings

The South African cricket team, known as the Proteas, is a top-performing national team and is governed by ‘Cricket South Africa.’ They hold full membership in the International Cricket Council (ICC). Initially, South Africa faced limited recognition due to historical factors, but over time, they developed into a competitive cricket team during the early 20th century.

Their journey was interrupted in the 1960s when ICC imposed a ban on South Africa’s participation in international cricket due to the Apartheid policy. However, the team had already proven their prowess, boasting talents experienced players like Mike Procter and Eddie Barlow.

The ban was lifted in 1991, and since then, South Africa has maintained its status as a dominant cricket team, holding the top spot in international rankings on multiple occasions. Notable players like Allan Donald, Makhaya Ntini, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Hashim Amla have contributed to their success.

South Africa’s participation in the World Cup began in 1992, reaching the semi-finals but falling short due to a weather-related loss to England. Despite consistent efforts, they faced challenges in key tournaments, including World Cup exits in 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015.

Their lone ICC tournament victory came in the Champions Trophy in 1998. In total, South Africa has played 1233 international matches, with 647 wins, 434 losses, 7 ties, 124 draws, and 21 games with no result.

As of the latest ICC 2022 Cricket rankings:

– ICC Test Rank: 04

– ICC ODI Rank: 05

– ICC T20 Rank: 05

Afghanistan cricket team rankings

Afghanistan’s national cricket team, the ICC’s 12th Test-playing full member nation, has rapidly gained international recognition. Cricket has been a part of Afghanistan since the mid-19th century, and the Afghanistan Cricket Board was established in 1995 to oversee the sport. In 2001, it became an official ICC member.

Afghanistan achieved full ICC membership in June 2017, marking a significant milestone. They started as an affiliate member in 2001 and progressed steadily. Afghanistan holds the global T20 record for the highest-ever score of 278-3, achieved against Ireland on February 23, 2019. Notable players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Asghar Afghan, and Rashid Khan have contributed to their success across all formats of the game.

Memorable World Cup Moments

Some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments have been gifted to us by the Cricket World Cup. These unforgettable moments include:

• Diego Maradona’s ‘best world cup goal ever’ against England in 1986
• Gordon Banks’ ‘save of the century’ from Pelé in 1970
• Brazil’s post-match celebration, which is considered the most iconic moment in World Cup history

Another memorable moment is the Centenary Test held in March 1977, which concluded with a 45-run triumph for Australia, mirroring the score of the inaugural Test match. These moments, etched in the annals of cricket history, serve as a reminder of the passion, skill, and determination that define the sport.

Test Cricket: The Ultimate Challenge

Regarded as the ultimate challenge in the sport, Test cricket demands a player’s technical and mental prowess, discipline, toughness, and temperament in test matches, which is why the World Test Championship is so highly valued.

The format requires players to demonstrate their technique and adaptability over a longer period of time compared to other formats of play, testing their skills in varying conditions.

Legendary players like Sir Donald Bradman, who holds the highest Test batting average on record, have left an indelible mark on the sport. The competitiveness and challenge of Test cricket continue to captivate fans and players alike, serving as the ultimate measure of a team’s skill and prowess.

ODI and T20I Rankings

A comprehensive system to rank international cricket teams based on their performance in One Day International (ODI), Twenty20 International (T20I), and Test matches is provided by the ICC ODI rankings, T20I rankings, and ICC Test rankings. These rankings serve as a reliable and unbiased source to identify the most successful cricket teams in the world.

The current ODI rankings place Pakistan at the top, followed by India. In the T20I rankings, England takes the lead, followed by Pakistan. These rankings offer valuable insight into the current state of international cricket, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the top cricket teams in the world.

Summary

In conclusion, the world of cricket is filled with passion, determination, and talent. The top cricket teams – India, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Pakistan – have showcased their prowess in various formats of the game, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. From legendary players to rising stars, the sport continues to evolve and captivate fans around the globe.

The future of international cricket is promising, with new formats and emerging cricketing nations providing fresh perspectives and opportunities for players to demonstrate their abilities. As the sport continues to grow and develop, one thing is certain – the passion and love for cricket will remain, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.