An ancient game of bat and ball that has been played for many generations with a devoted fan base around the globe is cricket.  It’s not surprising that the best teams in cricket have managed to achieve extraordinary success over the years and are some of the most exclusive teams in all of sports. But exactly which teams reign superior? In this article, we’ll be discussing the top 10 best cricket teams the world has to offer based on their standing and records. We will touch upon each team’s history, successes, key players and more to give the readers a knowledgeable overview of all these energy packed teams. 

Cricket Origins 

The latest game of cricket has its roots in 16th century England and has progressed from other bat and ball games famous at the time. The primal known reference to cricket was discovered in 1598 which brings up that 2 boys were playing it in a surrey village. By the end of the 17th century, there had been mentions of organized team tournaments. English travelers started introducing the game to different nations around the globe during their ventures and by 1788, Australia had become a global home for the sport. 

How is Cricket Played? 

Cricket is a two-team game in which there are 11 players on each team. The teams switch between bowling and batting in an assigned amount of overs which is a set of six consistent deliveries. It is normally played in a large space, in a flat grass field with a middle rectangular area which is known as a pitch.

The aim of the game is for one of the teams to score more runs than their competitors by hitting the ball with a bat. Runs are scored when the player hits the ball beyond or onto the boundaries of the ground in between wickets, or when they can run from one end to another of the pitch without getting out.  When all the players in the team get out then the innings are over and the teams switch their roles. The team with the majority of runs at the end of both the innings wins. 

Dominant 10 Cricket Teams 

Nowadays, cricket is played mostly in Commonwealth nations as well as some parts of Africa, Asia, North and South America and Europe. With teams battling annually on national and international levels, there is no scarcity of talent around the globe. Let’s take a glance at the dominant 10 cricket teams in the world, based on their records and rankings. 

1. Indian National Cricket Team 

The National Indian Cricket team is one of the most victorious cricket teams in the world, with an abundant history of victory in all formats of the game. The team is recognised for its strong batting lineup, which includes few of the best batsmen in the world such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. 

In recent times, the Indian team has also constructed a challenging bowling attack, with pacers such as Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, as well as spinners such as Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin. This balance among bowling and batting has permitted the team to attain success in all conditions, both abroad as well as at home. 

The Indian team has also had tons of success in the limited-over formats, winning the Cricket World Cup two times in 1983 and 2011 and reached the finals of the ICC World T20 series in 2007, 2014 and 2016. Additionally, to these international tournaments, the Indian cricket team has also managed to win the Asia Cup numerous times as well as different bilateral matches played against other cricket nations. 

One of the causes of the team’s major success is the strong national cricket structure in the country, which generates a frequent stream of skilled players who are taught to play at the global level. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has also played an important role in advancing young talent and offering a stage for players to exhibit their skills. 

2. New Zealand National Cricket Team 

The New Zealand National Cricket Team, also familiar as the Black Cas, is a challenging force in universal cricket, recognized for their fighting spirit and see-it-through attitude. Regardless of being a comparatively small cricketing nation, the Black Caps have frequently outperformed other teams in all formats of the game. 

One of the chief strengths of the New Zealand team is their logical approach to the game, with a blend of aggressive batsmen, brilliant fielders and skilled bowlers. This team is recognized for its attacking fashion of play, with the batsmen taking measured risks to score runs rapidly and the bowlers always on the lookout for wickets. 

The Black caps have had certain success in the limited-overs patterns, reaching the last round of the Cricket World Cup in 2015 and 2019. In the latter matches, the team put out a remarkable show of skills and teamwork to reach the last round, barely losing out to England in a panicking super over finish. 

Additionally, to their success in International tournaments, the New Zealand team has also commended in bilateral matches against other cricketing teams, both abroad and home. The team’s captain Kane Williamson, is broadly considered as of the top and best batsman in the world and has been successful in leading the team to numerous triumphs. 

Another noteworthy characteristic of the New Zealand team is their strong team culture, with players consistently putting the team’s best interest ahead of their own individual achievements. This has aided to develop a sense of unity and fellowship within the team, which has been important to their triumph in elevated pressure circumstances. 

3. Pakistan Cricket Team 

The Pakistan Cricket Team, also familiar as the Men in Green, is a skilled group of players renowned for their aggressive fashion of play and flair for theatrics. The team has an abundant history in the sport, having won the Cricket World Cup in 1992 and managing to reach the last round of the tournament in 1999. 

One of the chief strengths of the team is their bowling attack, which is appraised as one of the best in the world. The team has given rise to a number of elite bowlers over the years, including Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram and more recently Shaheen Afridi and Mohammed Amir. The team’s fast bowlers are recognized for their capabilities to swing the ball both ways, making them a daunting competition in all conditions. 

The Pakistani team has also given birth to some brilliant batsmen who are broadly regarded as some of the best batsmen that the world has to offer. The team’s batting setup is familiar for their hostile playing style, with players frequently taking risks to score runs rapidly. 

What’s more to their ability on the field, the Pakistan team is also familiar for their uncertain nature, which has led to a couple of memorable moments in the cricket world.  The team has a notoriety for producing astonishing results and managing to pull off unexpected wins, making them a feared competitor in any match. 

Although, the team over the years has had its own fair share of controversies, which include match fixing and disciplinary issues with players. And despite these issues, the team remains a skilled and daunting competition in the cricket universe, with a loyal fan base both internationally and at home. 

4. The Sri Lanka Cricket Team 

The Sri Lanka cricket team, also recognized as the Lions, is a skilled and respected team in the cricket universe, known for their aggressive and stylish playing style. The team has a lengthy history in cricket, having won the 1996 Cricket World Cup as well as the 2007 final of the tournament. 

One of the chief strengths of the Sri Lanka team is their spin bowling strike, which has given birth to some of the best spinners in the cricket world. The team’s spin bowlers, such as Rangana Herath and others have all been crucial in numerous of the team’s wins over the years. 

Besides their spin bowling mastery, the team is also familiar for their brilliant fielding, which is thought of as one of the best in the world of cricket. The Sri Lanka team’s fielders are recognised for their acrobatic and athleticism catches, frequently adding important moments in the game. 

The Sri Lanka team has also given birth to some brilliant batsmen over the years. The team’s batting setup is recognised for their aggressive approach and stylish stroke play to the game. 

However, the Sri Lanka team has also met with some confrontations in recent times, with erratic performances and an absence of stability in team management. Even with these issues, the team retained a respected and talented competition in the cricket world, with a faithful base both internationally and at home. 

5. Bangladesh Cricket Team 

The Bangladesh Cricket Team, also recognized as the Tigers, is a team that has quickly upgraded over the years to become an aggressive force in the cricket world. The team has been playing cricket internationally since the 2000s and has slowly upgraded their performance over time.

One of the chief strengths of the team is their  spin bowling approach, which is led by Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladesh team’s spinners are recognized for their capabilities to produce turn and bounce on aidful pitches, making them an intimidating competition in home situations. 

The team has also given birth to some brilliant batsmen such as Mushfiqur Rahim, who have been crucial in numerous of the team’s triumphs. The team’s batting setup is recognised for their ability to score runs rapidly and aggressive fashion of play. 

Besides their on field capabilities, the team is also familiar for their vocal and passionate fans, who have aided to develop a thrilling and colorful atmosphere at their home matches. 

6. England Cricket Team 

The English Cricket Team, also recognised as the Three Lions, is one of the oldest and most admired cricket teams in the world. The team has a lengthy history in the cricket sport, having been the establishing representative of the ICC (International Cricket Council) and playing in 1877 in the first ever Test match. 

One of the chief strengths of the England team is their rapid bowling attack, which is led by the likes of Stuart Broad and James Anderson. The team’s quick bowlers are famous for their capability to swing the ball and produce pace, making them an intimidating competition in all circumstances. 

Additionally, to their rapid bowling strength, the England team is also famous for their powerful batting setup, with players such as Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root frequently scoring runs at the global level. The team’s batting setup is familiar for their aggressive fashion of play and capability to score runs rapidly. 

Another prowess of the England team is their brilliant fielding, which is thought of one of the best in the cricket world. The team’s fielders are recognized for their acrobatic and athleticism catches, frequently donating important moments in the game. 

Regardless of their strengths, the England team has also confronted some challenges in recent times, especially in international conditions. Although, the team’s latest successes in winning the Cricket World Cup in 2019 and their strong execution in Test cricket show that they are a daunting competition in all forms of the game. 

7. West Indies Cricket Team 

The West Indies Cricket Team, also familiar as the Windies, is one of the most historic and storied teams in the sport of cricket. The team constitutes a group of territories and countries in the Caribbean and has a lengthy history in the sport going back to the onset of the 20th century. 

One of the chief strengths of the West Indies team is their rapid bowling attack, which has given birth to some of the best bowlers in the archive of the sport, such as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall. The team’s rapid bowlers are familiar for their capability to generate bounce and pace, making them a daunting competition in all circumstances. 

Also Read: India vs West Indies Head-to-Head Tests, ODIs, T20s Records

Besides their rapid bowling strength, the Indies team is also recognized for their volatile batting setup, with players such as Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle frequently hitting enormous sixes and setting elevating run rates. The team’s batting setup is recognized for their aggressive fashion of play and ability to score runs rapidly. 

Another prowess of the West Indies team is their style and flair of play, which has made them a favorite team among cricket enthusiasts around the globe. The team’s players are famous for their vibrant celebrations and personalities of their Caribbean culture through their cricketing fashion. 

Regardless of their strengths, the Windies team has confronted some obstacles in recent times, especially in Test cricket. Although, the team’s newest success in winning the T20 World Cup in 2016 and their pursuing competitiveness in limited-overs cricket shows that they are still a strength to be considered within the sport. 

8. Australia Cricket Team 

The Australia cricket team, also recognized as the Aussies, is one of the most dominant and successful teams in the sport of cricket. The team has a lengthy history in the sport, having won 5 times the Cricket World Cup record and holding the one rank in Test cricket for numerous years. 

One of the chief strengths of the Australia team is their elite bowling attack, which is led by the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. The team’s rapid bowlers are famous for the capability to generate swing and pace the ball, making them a daunting competition in all circumstances. 

Besides their bowling prowess, the Australia team is also famous for their strong batting setup, with players such as David Warner and Steve Smith frequently scoring runs at the worldwide level. The team’s batting setup is familiar for their hostile fashion of play and capability to lead opposition bowlers.  

An additional strength of the team is their brilliant fielding, which is thought of to be the best that the cricket world has to offer. The team’s fielders are recognised for their spectacular catches and athleticism, frequently donating important moments in the game. 

9. South Africa National Cricket Team 

The South Africa national cricket team, also recognised at the Proteas, is one of the most competitive and talented teams in the cricket sport. The team has a lengthy history in the sport, having birthed some of the biggest players of all time, such as AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis. 

One of the chief strengths of the Proteas is their world renowned bowling attack, which is led by the likes of Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada. The team’s rapid bowlers are famous for the capabilities to produce swing and pace the ball, which makes them a daunting competition in all conditions. 

Besides their bowling skill, the South African team is also famous for their firm batting setup with players such as Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis frequently scoring runs at the worldwide level. The team’s batting setup is recognised for their hostile fashion of play to score runs rapidly. 

An additional strength of the South African team is their brilliant fielding, which is thought of to be the best in the cricketing world. The team’s fielders are famous for their brilliant catches and athleticism, frequently donating important moments in the game. 

Besides their strengths, the South African team has confronted some issues in recent times, especially in prime ICC tournaments. Although, the team’s newest successes in Test cricket and their repeated competitiveness in limited-overs cricket showcase that they are a force to be considered within the sport. 

10. Afghanistan National Cricket Team 

The Afghanistan National Cricket Team, also famous as the Afghan cricket team, is one of the up and coming forces in the universe of cricket. Besides being comparatively new to the sport, the team has made remarkable strides in a short length of time, having qualified in 2015 and 2019 for the ICC World Cup.

One of the chief strengths of the Afghanistan team is their world-renowned spin bowling attack, which is led by the likes of Mujeed Ur Rahman and  Rashid Khan. The team’s spinners are recognized for their capability to deceive opposition batsmen with their variation of deliveries, making them a daunting opponent in all forms of the game. 

Besides their bowling prowess, the Afghanistan team has also constructed a strong batting setup, with players such as Mohammad Nabi and Rahmat Shah frequently donating runs at the worldwide level. The team’s batsmen are recognized for their aggressive form of play and capability to score runs rapidly. 

An additional strength of the Afghanistan team is their determination and passion to triumph. Even with facing multiple challenges, both off and on the field, the team has stayed concentrated on their goal of becoming a competitive force in the cricketing world. 

Although, the Afghanistan team also confronts a few challenges, especially in terms of infrastructure and funding. Even with the challenges, the team has proceeded to refine and upgrade their skills, with their latest performance in top ICC tournaments serving as a testament to their future.  

In general, the Afghanistan National Cricket team is a passionate and talented team of players, recognised for their elite spin bowling aggressive and attack fashion of play. With a mix of skilled veterans and new talent, the team is poised to resume their rise in the cricket sport and make their label on the worldwide stage. 

Conclusion 

The world of cricket is filled with talented teams, with each one having the possibility to achieve great success. From the compelling Indian team to the still up and coming Afghanistan team, these teams have all made their notch on the sport and showcase just how fierce it can be. Even with their differences in terms of player resources, composition and experience, these 10 teams are among the best in the cricket world and will proceed to push each other for predominance. As an outcome, fans around the world can look forward to viewing some thrilling matches in the near future as these teams fight for prestige. 

Last but not the least, cricket is a greatly entertaining sport that has been relished by millions across the globe. With so many talented teams battling at different levels, it’s crucial to select just one clear successor. Although, the 10 teams broached in this article are some of the best in the cricket world and will proceed to provide exciting matches for cricket enthusiasts all over. So be certain to chase their progress and see who makes it out on top!