Top Five ODI teams in mid to late 90s

Teams that missed the cut

New Zealand were a dangerous side in the mid-90s with a bagful of quality all-rounders. The Kiwis had in strength in their batting with stroke makers like Nathan Astle, Stephen Fleming, Roger Twose, Craig McMillan and Adam Parore. The hard-hitting Chris Cairns, Gavin Larsen and Chris Harris lent depth to their side with all-round abilities. The Black Caps had Danny Morrison, Geoff Allot, Dion Nash and Simon Doull who were a handful in seaming conditions. Daniel Vettori came onto the scene as a quality left-arm spinner. Kiwis made it to the knockouts of all major tournaments during that time.

West Indies were still a competitive side with some firepower in their ODI squad. The 'Maroon Brigade' had the most gifted batsman of that era in Brian Lara. Besides Lara, the Windies batting formidable looked with Carl Hooper, Sherwin Campbell, Stuart Williams and Jimmy Adams. The side had good depth in the team with Phil Simmons and Keith Atherton who could bat and bowl. The deadly pace duo of Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh were among the best in the world. Despite having some world class players, the team never gelled together and was plagued by inconsistency.

England never took ODI cricket too seriously in the 90s as winning the Ashes was their major focal point. They had some quality cricketers but lacked the intent to challenge the big guns during that era.

Notable Mentions - Alec Stewart, Micheal Atherton, Nick Knight, Graeme Hick, Graham Thorpe, Neil Fairbrother, Darren Gough, Dominic Cork, Phil Defreitas, Chris Lewis

Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe who were the latest entrant into the international area posed formidable challenges to the top teams with their combative style of cricket and superlative fielding.

Notable Mentions - Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Alistair, Heath Streak, Paul Strang, Neil Johnson, Henry Olonga, Eddo Brandes, Guy Whittall, Craig Ervine