Ranking the top 5 Asian teams in T20I cricket currently

T20 cricket in Asia is deeper and more competitive than ever. Teams blend raw power, crafty spin and increasingly clever death-over bowling, so a short tournament can quickly reshuffle reputations. It is said that any team can beat any team on a given day in a T20 game. Using the ICC T20I ratings and recent international form, especially performances at the ongoing Asia Cup, here’s a ranking of the top five Asian T20 sides right now.

5) Bangladesh

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Bangladesh complete the Asian top five, driven by improved fast bowling and a more settled batting order. Their white-ball progress is evident in recent series wins and strong individual performances. Bowlers like Taskin have produced eye-catching spells, and they’re no longer easy opponents in UAE or subcontinental conditions. Consistency across different pitches will decide whether they move further up. Even though they are ranked fifth here, Bangladesh is not one team that you can take lightly, as they regularly punch above their weight.

4) Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s rise in white-ball cricket has been swift and sustained. With an ICC rating of 223, they punch above their weight with power all-rounders, quick spin variations and an aggressive batting core led by players such as Azmatullah Omarzai. 

Afghanistan’s T20 game is built on fearlessness, regular quick scoring up front and inventive spin in the middle overs. They have made up one of the most lethal spin bowling combinations in T20 World Cricket. Their recent performance in the Tri series before the Asia Cup surely reflects that.

3) Pakistan

Pakistan remains Asia’s third-best unit on rating and threat, although it would be fair to say they are just marginally ahead of Afghanistan, just because of their few wins over them recently. Their ICC rating reflects a team with match-winning potential, capable spinners and a seam attack that can be lethal on the right wicket. 

Recent tournament form has been patchy at times (notably a heavy defeat to India in the Asia Cup), but Pakistan’s ability to produce top-order fireworks and quick reversals keeps them high in the pecking order. When their attack clicks, they are one of the hardest sides to chase against. 

2) Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has quietly rebuilt a potent white-ball side. Their ICC rating of 232 and solid Asia Cup starts show a blend of young hitters and experienced match-winners like Wanindu Hasaranga. Sri Lanka’s strength is in the middle overs control, where spinners take wickets and top-order batters who can accelerate without collapsing. 

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Their recent performances in the Asia Cup confirmed a seam and spin combo that works well across the matches. They are definitely the second-best Asian team in the format.

1) India

India sits at the top of the global T20 order and remains the benchmark in Asia. Their ICC rating (271) underlines consistent results across bilateral series and ICC events, while a string of convincing wins in the Asia Cup has reinforced depth across batting and bowling. 

India’s bench strength, from power-hitting youngsters to world-class pace options, two brilliant all-rounders and two frontline spinners each, means they can adapt to any match scenario, which is why captains fear them most in this format. They are easily the best team in the format, not just in Asia but worldwide.

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