Most World Cup Semis Appearances
The World Cup is cricket’s flagship event. Any team is considered to have a successful run if they reach the semis of a World Cup. The first ODI World Cup was played in 1975 while the first T20 World Cup was played in 2007. There have been 12 editions of the ODI World Cup while the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 is the eighth edition. 19 semi-finals have been played across formats.
We look at the top 5 Teams With Most World Cup Semis Appearances:
#5 England – 10
The England white-ball side underwent a revolution post the debacle of the 2015 ODI World Cup. They have gone on to feature in semis of all four World Cups since then. It will be England’s third T20 World Cup semifinal appearance in a row. They made it to the final in 2016 eventually losing out to West Indies while they lost to New Zealand in 2021.
England made it to the semifinals for this T20 World Cup edition too. It is their 10th semifinal appearance across formats. They have two World Cup wins to show so far (2010 and 2019).
#4 India – 11
Indian cricket was never the same post their maiden ODI World Cup win in 1983. They have since then been a constant force in the World Cups. India topped their group to qualify for the semis in the current edition of the T20 World Cup. It was their fourth semifinal appearance across eight editions. They contested the 2016 T20 World Cup semifinal losing out to eventual champions, West Indies.
India has played 7 ODI World Cup semi-finals as well. They have 3 World Cup trophies currently from 11 semifinal appearances.
#3 New Zealand – 12
They are one of the most consistent sides in the World Cups. New Zealand is known to punch above its weight in the World Cups. They flew under the radar this time as well qualifying for the semis thrice in a row.
New Zealand though has never won a World Cup across any format. They came close in their last two World Cup final appearances but fell agonizingly short on both occasions. Hence, they sit third on the list with 12 semifinal appearances.
#2 Pakistan – 12
They are arguably the most unpredictable side in world cricket. It fortunately or unfortunately remains their biggest strength in World Cups. Not many had given Pakistan a chance post the losses to India and Zimbabwe. But they rode their luck playing some fearless cricket in the last two games to qualify for the semis.
It is Pakistan’s 12th semifinal appearance. Pakistan is T20 World Cup’s most consistent side. They have made it to the semis for the 6th time in 8 editions.
#1 Australia – 12
Cricket fans across the globe feel that Australia has lost its famous aura. The team no longer looks like the champions they are always known as. Yet the Aussies managed to win two World Cups across formats in 6 years (2015 and 2021). They are almost always the side to beat in a World Cup.
Australia added the T20 World Cup to their kitty in just the last edition. The hosts and defending champions though crashed out in the group stage this edition. With 12 semifinal appearances, Australia leads the race owing to their 6 World Cup wins!
