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The landscape of international cricket is shifting. Once seen as mere participants, Associate Nations have evolved into genuine giant-killers, particularly in the shortest format of the game. As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 unfolds across the historic grounds of India and Sri Lanka, the narrative of “minnows” is being replaced by one of tactical brilliance and high-octane performance.
For many years, these nations fought for a seat at the table; now, they are the ones setting the menu. From the clinical professionalism of the Netherlands to the fearless aggression of Scotland, Associate teams have racked up an impressive tally of victories, often at the expense of established Test-playing nations.
Top 5 Associate teams with most wins in the T20 World Cup
While some of these teams have recently attained Full Member status (like Afghanistan), their legacy and a significant portion of their win tally were built during their years as Associate members, serving as a blueprint for the rising tide of global cricket.
1. Netherlands (11 Wins)
Netherlands currently sit at the pinnacle of Associate success in the T20 World Cup. Following their recent seven-wicket victory over Namibia at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, the Dutch have officially recorded 11 wins in the tournament’s history.
Their journey is defined by a “total cricket” philosophy. Perhaps their most iconic moment remains the 2009 opening match at Lord’s, where they stunned England on the final ball. Since then, they have become a model of consistency. In the 2022 edition, they famously defeated South Africa, a result that dumped the Proteas out of the tournament and paved the way for Pakistan’s final run. Led by tactical captains like Scott Edwards and bolstered by all-rounders like Bas de Leede, the Netherlands have transformed from an underdog into a side that no Full Member can afford to take lightly.
2. Scotland (8 Wins)
Scotland have rapidly ascended the ranks, particularly in the last five years. Following their historic 2026 performance at Eden Gardens, where they became the first Associate nation to cross the 200-run mark in a World Cup innings (207/4 against Italy), their win tally has reached 8.
The Scots play a brand of cricket that is both aggressive and technically sound. Their “Golden Generation,” featuring players like George Munsey, Richie Berrington, and Michael Leask, has consistently pushed the boundaries. Their 2021 campaign was a watershed moment, as they topped their group by defeating Bangladesh, Oman, and Papua New Guinea to reach the Super 12s. This success isn’t accidental; it is the result of a robust domestic structure and a fearless approach to the powerplay overs.
3. Afghanistan (5 Wins as Associate)
While Afghanistan is now a Full Member and a legitimate semifinalist, their initial impact on the world stage was forged as an Associate powerhouse. During their tenure as an Associate nation, they secured 5 key wins in the T20 World Cup.
The Afghan story is one of the most romantic in sports history, rising from refugee camps to the upper echelons of the ICC rankings. Their early victories against the likes of Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, and Scotland laid the foundation for the world-class spin attack they boast today. Players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi first announced themselves during these Associate years, proving that talent knows no boundaries. Their transition from “top Associate” to “Full Member threat” was arguably the fastest in the history of the sport.
4. Namibia (5 Wins)
The Eagles of Namibia are the newest heavyweights on this list, but their impact has been immediate. With 5 wins across their recent World Cup appearances, Namibia has proven to be an incredibly disciplined unit.
Their debut in 2021 was nothing short of a fairy tale. Under the leadership of Gerhard Erasmus and the all-round excellence of David Wiese, they defeated Ireland and the Netherlands to qualify for the Super 12 stage in their very first attempt. Namibia’s strength lies in their bowling variations and their ability to stay calm under pressure. Their win against Sri Lanka in the 2022 opener remains one of the greatest upsets in the history of the competition, proving that on their day, they can dismantle even the most seasoned batting lineups.
5. Ireland (3 Wins as Associate)
Ireland are often credited with starting the Associate revolution. Before they were granted Test status in 2017, they secured 3 significant wins in the T20 World Cup as an Associate side.
The Irish “giant-killing” DNA was established in the 2009 edition when they defeated Bangladesh to reach the Super 8s. While their T20 record as an Associate was slightly overshadowed by their legendary 50-over World Cup exploits, their presence always signalled danger for the established elite. Even after becoming Full Members, they have continued this trend, famously beating England in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Their legacy as an Associate nation provided the roadmap for teams like the USA and Oman to believe that the gap between the “big” and “small” nations is closing.
The 2026 T20 World Cup is proving that Associate cricket is no longer a side-show; it is a vital part of the main event. With teams like the Netherlands and Scotland leading the charge, the era of predictable group stages is officially over.
Also READ: ICC confirms whether Pakistan will play against India in T20 World Cup 2026
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
