Best ODI XI for major teams from the past 20 years

Since the year 1971 when the first one-day international was played, things have drastically changed. The World Cup was introduced, the first one being held in 1975 which was held every four years after then. 1992 World Cup saw the inception of coloured clothing, post which we began to witness the change of old guard. We began to observe an attacking style of cricket being played from the get-go. The pyrotechnics in the death overs became a crucial part of the for the batting part. We take a look at the best One-day eleven for each side from the past two decades.

Let us rewind to the first ever one-day international match

#11 Ireland

England v Ireland: Group B - 2011 ICC World Cup

Ireland has been touted as the next big thing in cricket and has been performing consistently in the big stages. They've had wins in one-day International cricket against Zimbabwe, England, Bangladesh, and England all in World Cup tournaments which they have played in. William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Kevin O'Brien, Trent Johnston, and Boyd Rankin have been some of the pillars of Irish cricket team.

Ireland's present skipper and the powerful Paul Stirling make up the opening pair with both amassing over 3000 One-day international runs.

Ed Joyce occupies the No. 3 position with Gary Wilson and Niall O'Brien to follow at No. 4 and 5 respectively.

Niall O'Brien has been one of the most consistent performers and is also capable of playing big shots as displayed by him against West Indies in 2015 cricket World Cup.

At no. 6, comes the hard-hitting Kevin O'Brien who came into limelight by hitting the fastest century in World Cup 2011 against England.

The next three slots make up the most successful Irish bowling all-rounder's spots including the skipper Trent Johnston, Alex Cusack, and John Mooney.

Boyd Rankin has been included as the Frontline fast-bowler and George Dockrell as the primary spinner. Boyd Rankin has been the mainstay of Irish's bowling attack for quite some years now.

We take a look at the best One-day XI for them.

1. William Porterfield
2. Paul Stirling
3. Ed Joyce
4. Gary Wilson
5. Niall O'Brien (wk)
6. Kevin O'Brien
7. Trent Johnston (c)
8. John Mooney
9. Alex Cusack
10. George Dockrell
11. Boyd Rankin

#10 Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe cricket had their golden period in ODIs from 1997-2002. They had brought together a batting and a bowling line-up who could bail the team from any adversity. The 1999 World Cup was one of the best tournaments Zimbabwe had. They had scored a victory over South Africa who had been the team to beat in the tournament. With this win, they had progressed to the super six stage. However, because of a slightly lower net run rate, New Zealand progressed to the semi-final instead.

The political problems in Zimbabwe paved the way for the decline in the standards of Zimbabwean cricket from which they have still not recovered fully.

Neil Johnson and Hamilton Masakadza make up the opening pair. Neil Johnson's contribution of substance came in the 1999 World Cup when Zimbabwe reached the super six stage. Hamilton Masakadza has been one of the silver linings for Zimbabwe in their miserable recent times.

Andy Flower and Grant Flower are slotted at No. 3 and No. 4 for they have performed various rescue acts and had been the backbone of their success.

Keeping wickets will be Brendan Taylor, batting at no. 5 who has amassed over 5000 runs. He has been the best middle-order batsman for Zimbabwe in the recent times.

Elton Chigumbura, who is a hard-hitting all-rounder make up the no. 6 position. Prosper Utseya, being a frontline spinner and a useful lower-order batsman is included in no. 7.

The fast-bowling department is headed by Heath Streak, the skipper with another explosive lower-order batsman Andy Blignaut and Henry Olonga playing his second fiddle. Heath Streak is one of the four Zimbabwean bowlers to have taken 100 wickets and the best bowler to have played for Zimbabwe. Graeme Cremer has also been one of the best spinners with a decent average of 31 in 81 One-dayers.

We take a look at the best One-day XI for them.

1. Neil Johnson
2. Hamilton Masakadza
3. Andy Flower
4. Grant Flower
5. Brendan Taylor (wk)
6. Elton Chigumbura
7. Prosper Utseya
8. Heath Streak (c)
9. Andy Blignaut
10. Henry Olonga
11. Graeme Cremer

#9 Bangladesh

Bangladesh played their first one-day International in 1986 against Pakistan. Bangladesh has produced a fair amount of good cricketers, however, they haven't been able to come together as a team to become an unprecedented force. Habibul Bashar, who was Bangladesh's most successful captain lead them to their first Test win in 2004. Additionally, Bangladesh had also beaten world class sides like Australia, India, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, Bangladesh has drastically improved themselves and has strived to become a better side.

The most successful Bangladeshi batsman who is the first to score 10000 international runs, being Tamim Iqbal starts the line-up. He has an average of over 35 in One-day cricket with a highest score of 154. His opening partner will be Imrul Kayes who is yet another talented batsman.

Mohammad Ashraful has been a very talented find for Bangladesh, however, controversies dented his career from progressing further. He has been included as a No. 3 batsman. His century had been instrumental in the year 2005 when Bangladesh beat Australia for the first and the only time in One-day internationals. He is Bangladesh's second highest run-scorer in One-day cricket.

Shakib Al-Hasan who is one of the greatest all-rounders going around today, collecting over 5000 runs and 237 scalps as of today has been included at No. 4. Habibul Bashar, under whom Bangladesh's seeds were sown for being a competitive side, has been named as a skipper.

Mushfiqur Rahim, one of the most experienced current players will don the gloves, batting at No. 6 with Mahumudullah to follow at No. 7.

The hard-hitting bowling all-rounder Mashrafe Mortaza to come in at the 8th position followed by Mohammed Rafique at No. 9 who will share the spinning duties along with Shakib Al-Hasan. Mustafizur Rahman, who has been the greatest find for Bangladesh, deceiving batsmen with his clever slower balls will complete the pace bowling unit with Rubel Hossain.

We take a look at their best-limited overs eleven from the past twenty years.

1. Tamim Iqbal
2. Imrul Kayes
3. Mohammad Ashraful
4. Shakib Al-Hasan
5. Habibul Bashar (c)
6. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
7. Mahmudullah Riyad
8. Mashrafe Mortaza
9. Mohammed Rafique
10. Rubel Hussain
11. Mustafizur Rahman

#8 West Indies

West Indies v Ireland - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

West Indies were a superpower cricketing nation from the early 1970s till late 1990s. They had not only been dominant in Test cricket but also reigned supreme in One-day cricket. Lead by Clive Lloyd, along with the dynamic opening combination of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes. The destructive Viv Richards and the extraordinary bowling line-up had delivered them two consecutive World Cups. West Indies were also the winners of Champions Trophy 2004 and two-time Twenty20 World Cup champions. Lately, West Indies cricket had gone downhill because of the lack of finding apt replacements for senior players.

The line-up starts with the powerhouse Chris Gayle who has amassed over 9000 runs and the forgotten great with an unorthodox technique Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Chanderpaul has over 8000 runs at a healthy average of over 41.

Ramnaresh Sarwan, who has been yet another pillar of West Indies cricket occupies the No. 3 position. The run-machine Brian Lara has been included in no. 4 who has racked up over 10000 runs in nearly 300 ODIs.

Marlon Samuels can be a match-winner on his day, including his off-spin which can be very handy is included at No. 5. Andre Russell, who with his brute strength has taken everyone by storm has been included for the all-rounder's role with Denesh Ramdin donning the gloves.

Sunil Narine has been selected for the spinner's role with his attacking persona being a decisive factor lower down the order. One of the most magnificent fast-bowling duo of Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh are automatic selections with Jerome Taylor being named as their deputy.

We have a look at the best 50-over eleven for the Windies.

1. Chris Gayle
2. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
3. Ramnaresh Sarwan
4. Brian Lara
5. Marlon Samuels
6. Andre Russell
7. Denesh Ramdin (wk)
8. Sunil Narine
9. Curtly Ambrose
10. Courtney Walsh (c)
11. Jerome Taylor

#7 Sri Lanka

England v Sri Lanka - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

Sri Lanka played their first one-day International in 1975 against West Indies who beat them easily and went on to win the World Cup as well. Sri Lanka continued to give good performances after this, however, their biggest moment in One-day cricket came in the 1996 World Cup. Sri Lanka beat Australia by six wickets to win the 1996 World Cup. Arvinda de Silva was awarded the man of the match for his determinant century to take Sri Lanka over the line. Sri Lankan team is also the joint winners of 2002 Champions Trophy.

The opening pair consists of the power-hitters being Sanath Jayasuriya and Tillakaratne Dilshan who have been one of the most dominant batsmen in their respective times.

At No.3, the flamboyant Kumar Sangakkara to bat followed by Mahela Jayawardene who share among them over 20000 One-day international runs.

The slot of No. 5 batsman has been awarded to Arvinda de Silva who's calming presence helped Sri Lanka to their inaugural World Cup in 1996.

"Captain Cool" Arjuna Ranatunga has been slotted to No. 6 and has been given the captaincy. He was undoubtedly the most influential captain in Sri Lankan cricket history.

Angelo Matthews, the all-rounder has secured the role of a finisher. Chaminda Vaas, the most successful new-ball bowler with whom speedsters Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando have been selected. Mutthiah Muralidharan is the lone spinner in the eleven with Jayasuriya and De Silva to play the supporting roles for him.

We take a look at the best Sri Lankan One-day eleven from the last two decades.

1. Sanath Jayasuriya
2. Tilakaratne Dilshan
3. Kumar Sangakkara (wk)
4. Mahela Jayawardene
5. Arvinda de Silva
6. Arjuna Ranatunga (c)
7. Angelo Matthews
8. Chaminda Vaas
9. Lasith Malinga
10. Dilhara Fernando
11. Muttiah Muralidharan

#6 Pakistan

Pakistan and Indian players shake hands

Pakistan cricket team have always been competitive in the limited overs fixtures. Their encounters with India are mouth-watering ones where the mental strength of every player from both sides is put to a stern test. In World Cups, India has maintained a perfect record against Pakistan, however, in One-dayers overall Pakistan edge India out. Pakistan is known traditionally for producing the best fast bowlers. The prominent ones include Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Aaqib Javed, Imran Khan, Mohammad Amir and many more.

Saeed Anwar has been one of the greatest batsmen Pakistan has ever produced. He has scored 8824 runs in ODIs at an average of 39.21. He has been partnered along with the latest batting sensation Fakhar Zamaan who has had a dream start to his One-day career.

The leading run-scorer for Pakistan in One-day internationals, Inzamam Ul-Haq has been included in No.3 followed by the flawless Mohammed Yousuf at No. 4. Yousuf has accumulated over 9000 runs in One-dayers at an average of nearly 42.

Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq to take up the all-rounder's spots with Moin Khan as the wicket-keeper. Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq are capable of turning the match on their heads either with their bowling or their batting.

Wasim Akram, who is the best left-arm bowler to have played and his longtime partner Waqar Younis along with Mohammad Amir make up a formidable fast-bowling unit. Leggie Saqlain Mushtaq who arguably is the best Pakistani leg-spinner to have played heads the spin-bowling department.

We take a look at their best One-day eleven from the past 20 years. Some close calls on the way through.

1. Saeed Anwar
2. Fakhar Zamman
3. Inzamam-Ul-Haq
4. Mohammed Yousuf
5. Shahid Afridi
6. Abdul Razzaq
7. Moin Khan (wk)
8. Wasim Akram (c)
9. Waqar Younis
10. Saqlain Mushtaq
11. Mohammad Amir

#5 New Zealand

The blackcaps have almost always have been the underdog team in cricket. However, it doesn't take away the fact that they have produced some outstanding cricketers who are second to none. An ICC major trophy has eluded them for some years now, nevertheless, they had won the Knockout Trophy in 2000 in a scintillating fashion. They always have a fierce competition with their neighbours Australia with whom they clashed in the final of 2015 World Cup in a losing effort.

The opening batsmen comprise of Martin Guptill and Nathan Astle with Guptill playing the role of an aggressor and Astle being one of the most dependent batsmen, capable of holding the innings together. Nathan Astle currently sits third in most One-day runs scored by a Kiwi batsman.

Kane Williamson has been New Zealand's best batsman recently and perfectly fits for the No. 3 position. Stephen Fleming is placed at No. 4, being the highest score for New Zealand in One-day cricket and one of the best captains they have ever had.

One of the most hard-hitting batsman in cricket and the one keeping wickets, Brendon Mccullum is placed at No. 5. The two all-rounders in the line-up are Scott Styris and Chris Cairns who are powerful hitters and can win matches with the ball as well.

Daniel Vettori, who has been the frontline spinner for New Zealand for several years heads the spinning department. The fast-bowling department is being covered by Tim Southee, Shane Bond, and Trent Boult, sharing 445 wickets between them currently.

We take a look at who makes the cut for the best One-day eleven for New Zealand from the past 20 years.

1. Martin Guptill
2. Nathan Astle
3. Kane Williamson
4. Stephen Fleming (c)
5. Brendon McCullum (wk)
6. Chirs Cairns
7. Scott Styris
8. Daniel Vettori
9. Tim Southee
10. Trent Boult
11. Shane Bond

#4 South Africa

South Africa or the Proteas have been one of the most competent and skilful teams. Since their re-introduction in 1991, South Africa has also been one of the best touring sides. However, what has eluded them the most is a global ICC trophy. The inability to win crucial games in the group stages and the mental block in finishing knockout games have costed the World Cups to them on many occasions while being the most deserving ones of the lot.

Smith and Kirsten have been one of the pillars of South African cricket and have been the best opening batsmen in their eras for South Africa.

Hashim Amla, who averages over 50 in one-day cricket and can bat in any position, has been included in No. 3. Jacques Kallis, who is the best all-rounder in ODI cricket has been selected for No. 4 position followed by the dynamic Ab De Villiers and Lance Klusener for the finishers' slot.

Mark Boucher has been selected for the wicket-keeper's position. The fast-bowling department would be spearheaded by Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and Shaun Pollock who collectively share a staggering 839 wickets between them currently. The spinner's spot has been allotted to Imran Tahir who has an excellent average of 23.87 in 85 matches.

We take a look at the best eleven for Proteas for the past twenty years.

1. Graeme Smith (c)
2. Gary Kirsten
3. Hashim Amla
4. Jacques Kallis
5. AB De Villiers
6. Lance Klusener
7. Mark Boucher (wk)
8. Dale Steyn
9. Shaun Pollock
10. Imran Tahir
11. Makhaya Ntini

#3 England

England have been one of the oldest cricket teams in history. England went against Australia in the first ever One-day International in 1971 in a losing effort by 45 runs. England have made it to the World Cup final thrice, however, couldn't get past the finish line in any of those. The current England squad have drastically revolutionized the way they have been playing limited overs cricket, thereby playing an attacking brand of cricket. They are presently the No. 1 ranked one-day team.

The opening batsmen in this eleven are Marcus Trescothick and Jonny Bairstow. Jonny Bairstow, who has formed an explosive opening pair along with Jason Roy currently averages a little over 50 in one-dayers. Trescothick was one of the reliable and dependable batsmen capable of being the glue who can hold the innings together.

Joe Root occupies the no. 3 position and had a fairly good One-day series against Australia followed by a solid series against India. Kevin Pietersen was one of the most influential English players and one of the attacking middle-order batsman. He is in at No. 4.

The captaincy duty has been allotted to Eoin Morgan who has been the best-limited overs captain for England in the modern era and has brought into play the aggressive brand of play. The all-rounder's spot at no. 6 is being handed over to Flintoff, one who can be England's go-to bowler and a very handy batsman.

The finisher's role has been handed to Jos Buttler who is one of the best wicket-keeper batsman going around right now. Graeme Swann and Adil Rashid to share the spinning duties with James Anderson and Darren Gough to complete the pace bowling department.

Let's take a look at their best One-day eleven from the past two decades.

1. Marcus Trescothick
2. Jonny Bairstow
3. Joe Root
4. Kevin Pietersen
5. Eoin Morgan (c)
6. Andrew Flintoff
7. Jos Butler (wk)
8. Graeme Swann
9. Adil Rashid
10. James Anderson
11. Darren Gough

#2 India

India v Pakistan - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

Indian cricket team played it's inaugural one-day international in 1974 against England at Headingley. Indian team has produced some of the prolific and the most blockbuster batsmen in the world. Sachin Tendulkar, whose career spanned over two decades and holds numerous batting records in One-day cricket is one prime example. Indian team is also a recipient of two World Cups and are the only team to win 20-over, 50-over, and a 60-over World Cup.

Starting the innings will be one of the most successful opening pairs in the One-day history which is Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.

Virat Kohli has solidified his spot and has played several match-winning innings knocks as a No. 3 batsman and hence No.3 position goes to him. The skipper, Sourav Ganguly one of the best One-day players, scoring over 11000 runs is the No.4 batsman.

The No. 5 slot goes to Yuvraj Singh, who has been assembled over 8000 One-day runs and a very handy off-spin bowler. The finisher's job goes to none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the one capable of finishing things like no other player. His average of over 50 and his strike rate along with his exceptional wicket-keeping skills makes him an unprecedented force.

Irfan Pathan, a profusely useful lower-order batsman, and an excellent left-arm pacer along with Zaheer Khan and Javagal Shrinath make up the pace bowling unit. The spinning department is spearheaded by Anil Kumble with Harbhajan Singh as his deputy with both sharing a stunning 606 wickets between them in One-dayers.

Let's take a look at their best eleven from the past twenty years.

1. Virender Sehwag
2. Sachin Tendulkar
3. Virat Kohli
4. Sourav Ganguly (c)
5. Yuvraj Singh
6. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk)
7. Irfan Pathan
8. Harbhajan Singh
9. Javagal Shrinath
10. Zaheer Khan
11. Anil Kumble

#1 Australia

Australia v India - Game 1

Perhaps one of the most successful teams in one-day internationals, Australia is the joint oldest team along with their arch-rivals England. Australia holds numerous One-day International records ranging from winning the most number of World Cups to remaining undefeated for 34 consecutive World Cup matches. Ricky Ponting who is Australia's all-time premier batsman holds several records for Australia in One-day International Cricket. Australia are also the recipients of Champions Trophy 2006 and 2009, thus making them the only team to become back to back winners in Champions trophy tournaments.

The opening slot has been captured by Matthew Hayden and the wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist which has been the most dominant opening pair for Australia in the modern era.

Followed by them are the reliable pair of Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively. Ricky Ponting undoubtedly has been the best batsman since Don Bradman for Australia and Michael Clarke can play the role of a guardian who can steer the ship in case of difficult times.

The all-rounder's positions at No. 5 and No. 6 have been allotted to Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson who are capable of manhandling any bowling attack and form a great bowling pair.

Michael Bevan, who was the most dependable and the best batsman in the death overs has been handed over the finisher's role. Michael Bevan's career average in One-dayers is 53.58 and is known for steering the team to victory through turbulent situations in the company of tail-enders.

To complement the right arm fast-bowling pair of Glenn McGrath and Bret Lee, a left-arm bowler in Mitchell Starc has been included. The lone spinner in the eleven being the leg-spinner Shane Warne whose exploits in 1999 World Cup were remarkable.

We take a look at who made to the Australian team's best 50 over eleven from the last 20 years.

1. Adam Gilchrist (wk)
2. Matthew Hayden
3. Ricky Ponting (c)
4. Michael Clarke
5. Andrew Symonds
6. Shane Watson
7. Michael Bevan
8. Shane Warne
9. Bret Lee
10. Mitchell Starc
11. Glenn McGrath