Making it to the ICC tournament semi-finals shows a team’s reliability and capacity to perform under duress on the most important occasions. A few number of teams have consistently advanced to this important stage of the championships over the years.
Though some teams succeed in reaching the semifinals, turning those chances into championships is a quite different matter. Teams compete for the ultimate reward in the nearly annual ICC competitions, but only a select few have perfected the art of performing consistently.
Here are the top three teams with most semi-final appearances in ICC events:
1. India: 19 times
India have always been that team that has shone in the ICC events, reaching the semifinals a record 19 times. The Men in Blue have made it to the last four in seven ODI World Cups (1983, 1987, 1996, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023), five T20 World Cups (2007, 2014, 2016, 2022, 2024), and six Champions Trophy editions (1998, 2000, 2002, 2013, 2017, 2025).
Their recent ICC triumph came in 2024 when they lifted the T20 World Cup title under Rohit Sharma. The side even had a memorable run in the ODI World Cup 2023 before suffering a defeat at the hands of Australia in the summit clash. With the side qualifying for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025, they will look to win that and add it to their illustrious trophy cabinet.
2. Australia: 17 times
Australia’s brilliance in ICC events continues as they recently secured their 17th semi-final appearance by reaching the last four of the Champions Trophy 2025, their first in the tournament since the 2009 edition. Australia have made it to nine ODI World Cup semi-finals (1975, 1987, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, 2019, 2023), three T20 World Cups (2007, 2012, 2021), and five Champions Trophies (2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2025). With a record six ODI World Cup wins and multiple ICC trophies across formats, the Aussies are the most successful team in international cricket.
3. New Zealand: 17 times
New Zealand have made its reputation as one of the most compatible teams in ICC tournaments, reaching the semi-finals 17 times across different events. They have made it to nine ODI World Cup semi-finals (1975, 1979, 1992, 1999, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023), four T20 World Cup semi-finals (2007, 2016, 2021, 2022), and four Champions Trophy semi-finals (2000, 2006, 2009, 2025), including the ongoing 2025 edition. Despite their frequent qualifications, the Kiwis have won only two ICC trophies, the 2000 Champions Trophy and the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021. With another semi-final berth in the Champions Trophy 2025, they will look to secure their third ICC title and finally break their knockout jinx.
India
