Ranking the top 5 Asian teams in ODI cricket currently

Asia still supplies the backbone of world one-day cricket with deep batting line-ups, quality spin and seam options that thrive in home conditions. Unlike T20 cricket, One Day Internationals are longer and require a completely different approach and tactics. A higher ranking indicates how well and regularly a team can win and maintain the standards. Using the ICC’s latest ODI ratings and recent international form, here’s a clear, no-nonsense ranking of the top five Asian ODI sides right now, and why each occupies its place.

5) Bangladesh

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Bangladesh rounds out the Asia top five. They’ve closed the gap with better fast-bowling depth and more settled middle-order options. Series wins away from home and competitive showings in neutral venues improved their ICC rating. Bangladesh still has to convert strong individual performances into sustained series victories against the top three, but their progress on the bowling front and young batting talent make them a solid No.5 in Asia.

4) Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s rise from an associate nation to a genuine ODI threat has been one of cricket’s best stories. The ICC ranks them well inside the top 10 (higher than the currently ranked England team). Their combination of quality spinners and increasingly fearless batting makes them dangerous in Asian conditions. 

Afghanistan’s recent wins against higher-ranked opposition at ICC events and in bilateral ties underline that they’re not a one-tournament wonder, but they’re a team that now routinely upsets established sides. Expect them to keep climbing if their batsmen maintain consistency.

3) Pakistan

Raw talent, match-winners and a bowling attack that can run through any batting order on their given day, that’s Pakistan in a sentence. Their ICC rating places them just behind Sri Lanka among Asia’s best. Pakistan still oscillates between brilliant spells and inconsistency.

On their day, they have the bowlers and top-order firepower to beat anyone, but poor patches (and the occasional batting collapse) are why they slot in third. Their poor performances with the catches and on-ground fielding have always made it worse for them. Recent matches show the upside is still enormous when their combinations click. 

2) Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s ODI revival is real. The islanders sit among the highest-rated Asian teams thanks to a consistent run of series wins and an improving talent pipeline. The top-order stability and match-winning spinners have been the engine. 

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Sri Lanka’s recent form in bilateral series (including a convincing showing in home and neutral venues) pushed them up the ICC list and made them a tough opponent in the subcontinent conditions. Their balance of aggressive openers, a solid middle order and penetration in the middle overs, especially through an equally balanced bowling line-up of pacers and spinners, gives them the edge at No.2 among Asian sides.

1) India

India is the class act in ODIs, and they have evidently shown that well enough over the years. The ICC lists India at the top of the ODI table with a rating well clear of the pack. This is a reflection of sustained wins in bilateral series and at ICC events. 

A lineup that can open aggressively, consolidate in the middle and finish with power, backed by world-class seam and spin resources, makes them the toughest team to beat in Asia and globally. Recent tournament performances, including triumphs in big multi-nation events like the Champions Trophy 2025, reinforce that standing.

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