Dual Dominance: Two Teams Simultaneously Reign Supreme in All ICC Formats

Reaching the ICC Rank number 1 in international cricket is a remarkable achievement for any team and holds immense significance in the world of cricket. This coveted top spot signifies that a team is currently the best among all the cricketing nations, a position earned through consistent performance and dominance.

Being ranked number one is a source of immense pride and prestige for a cricketing nation. It is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and talent. Reaching the summit of ICC rankings is not a fleeting accomplishment but a reflection of sustained excellence over an extended period.

Achieving the top ranking can have a positive impact on a team’s confidence and morale. It instills a sense of belief that they are the best in the world, boosting their self-assurance and performance on the field.

The number one ranking can attract sponsorships, endorsements, and more significant financial opportunities for the team and its players. It can lead to increased fan support, higher attendance at matches, and greater television viewership.

Furthermore, holding the top spot often comes with the expectation of maintaining that position, driving teams to strive for continuous improvement. It fuels healthy competition among cricketing nations and raises the overall standard of the game.

One of the best examples of dominance in international cricket is the Australian cricket team. The Australian cricket team has been a frequent occupant of the top spot in ICC Rankings, especially during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Led by iconic captains like Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, Australia’s formidable lineup and strong bowling attack made them a force to be reckoned with.

Another team that has seen the golden days of cricket by achieving the highest rank is England. England, with its rich cricketing history, has occasionally held the number 1 rank. Their Test team, in particular, has seen periods of dominance, thanks to a strong core of players.

However, there are only two teams that have held a number 1 ranking across all the formats at the same time. Here are some details about these two teams who have maintained their dominance across all the formats.

1) India – 2023

India achieved a historic feat in September 2023, when they became the number 1 ranked team across all three formats of cricket in the ICC Rankings. India’s rise to the top has been meteoric in recent years. In 2018, they were ranked sixth in Tests, seventh in ODIs, and third in T20Is. However, under the leadership of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, they have steadily climbed up the rankings, and are now the undisputed best team in the world. India’s success is due to several factors.

Firstly, they have a very talented squad, with world-class players in all three formats. Secondly, they have a strong team culture and a winning mentality. Finally, they have been able to consistently perform at their best in big matches. India’s number 1 ranking across all formats is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, the coaching staff, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

2) South Africa – 2014

In 2014, South Africa achieved a historic milestone in the world of cricket by ascending to the number 1 ranking across all three formats of the game – Test, One-Day International (ODI), and T20 International – in the ICC Rankings. This remarkable feat not only underlined the country’s cricketing prowess but also solidified its status as a cricketing powerhouse.

In Test cricket, South Africa’s ascent to the top was characterized by a formidable pace attack led by Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander, along with the batting brilliance of players like Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers. In the white-ball format, South Africa’s blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents proved to be a winning formula.