The Best Cricket Teams in the World Right Now (2026)

Cricket’s “best team” varies wildly by format. A side that dominates Tests may struggle in T20s; T20 specialists rarely lift Test mace trophies. Here’s our 2026 take on the strongest international cricket teams across all three formats, with Bangladesh viewing notes.

Methodology

• ICC rankings — current Test, ODI, T20I positions
• Recent form — series results in last 18 months
• Squad depth — bench strength + youth pipeline
• Major trophies — World Cups, ICC events

1. Australia — The Most Complete Side

Australia have won every major trophy in the last cycle. Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood lead the world’s best pace attack. Smith and Labuschagne anchor the batting. Tests are their strongest format; ODI is close behind.

2. India — Depth Across All Formats

The most resourced cricket side in the world. India have so much depth that their A-team would compete with most international sides. Bumrah remains the world’s best fast bowler; Rohit and Kohli still set the tempo.

Watch in BD: T Sports broadcasts every India match (when broadcasting rights allow).

3. England — Modern T20 Standards

The Bazball revolution made England a Test entertainment force. They’re also the reigning T20 World Cup specialists (2022 winners). ODI form is patchier but still top-five.

Watch in BD: Sony Ten 5 occasionally; T Sports for ICC events.

4. South Africa

The Proteas have rebuilt brilliantly. Aiden Markram leads a dynamic batting line-up. Kagiso Rabada heads a fast bowling unit that competes with Australia’s. Always close to a major trophy.

5. New Zealand

The reigning WTC final regular. Strong, well-drilled, never spectacular but always tough to beat. Williamson’s leadership in the longer formats remains world-class.

6. Pakistan

Inconsistent but capable of beating anyone. Babar Azam’s batting form is the team’s barometer. Shaheen Afridi leads a pace attack that wins big games.

Watch in BD: A Sports / Sony for selected matches.

7. Bangladesh

Home advantage is significant — Bangladesh have beaten every Test nation in Mirpur conditions. Shakib, Mushfiqur, Mehidy lead the experienced core. Litton Das and Mustafizur Rahman represent the next era.

Watch in BD: T Sports broadcasts every Bangladesh match free with Bangla commentary.

8. Sri Lanka

The 2024 Asia Cup champions. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana lead a unique spin-led approach. Strong in subcontinental conditions.

9. West Indies

T20 specialists who underperform in longer formats. Reigning T20 World Cup co-hosts (2024). The pool of franchise-cricket talent (Russell, Pooran, Hetmyer) keeps them competitive.

10. Afghanistan

Cricket’s biggest improvement story. Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb give them a world-class spin attack. T20 specialists who have started winning ODI and Test matches against bigger sides.

Format-Specific Top 5

Best Test Teams

1. Australia
2. India
3. England
4. South Africa
5. New Zealand

Best ODI Teams

1. India
2. Australia
3. South Africa
4. Pakistan
5. England

Best T20I Teams

1. India
2. England
3. Australia
4. West Indies
5. Afghanistan

How BD Cricket Fans Watch International Cricket

• T Sports — every Bangladesh match plus selected ICC events. Free.
• Star Sports (cable) — most major series, English/Hindi commentary.
• Rabbithole Premium (BDT 99/mo) — 1080p HD with fewer ads.

For the ICC Champions Trophy 2026, see our Bangladesh viewing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best cricket team in the world right now?

Australia hold the most balanced claim across formats — current Test #1, ODI #2, T20I #3 — and have won every major trophy in the last cycle. India are very close, particularly in white-ball formats.

Where can Bangladeshi fans watch the Bangladesh national team?

T Sports broadcasts every Bangladesh international match free in Bangladesh, with Bangla and English commentary tracks. The T Sports app works on Android and iOS.

Are there any rising cricket nations to watch?

Afghanistan have been the standout improvement story — their spin attack is world-class. Ireland and Zimbabwe are also rebuilding their international programmes.

What’s the difference between Test, ODI, and T20I?

Tests are 5-day matches (longest format). ODIs are 50-over single-day matches. T20Is are 20-over matches lasting around 3 hours — the format used at the IPL and BPL.

Read Next

• Top 10 cricketers in the world 2026
• How to watch the IPL in Bangladesh
• BPL 2026 schedule and viewing guide