In the field of cricket, the Tigers of Bangladesh have always fought like invincible warriors. The painful memory of losing to Ireland in the 2007 World Cup is still vivid in the minds of many. But since then Bangladesh cricket has gradually reached new heights. Face-to-face with the world's top teams in the ODI format, some historic victories - these were our pride. But for the last two years, there has been a strange void in ODI cricket. The news of victory is coming in Kalebdra, the shock of defeat is one after another. As a result, the dream of playing directly in the 2027 ODI World Cup is now shrouded in fear. In today's article, we will examine the reasons for that apprehension, analyze the equations ahead and find the path to Bangladesh's recovery. Because cricket is not just a game, it is a part of our national soul.
Current position: 10th in the rankings, just 76 points—why did the Tigers fall so far behind?
In the latest ICC (International Cricket Council) ODI ranking, Bangladesh is ranked 10th. With just 76 rating points, they are just below West Indies (80 points, 9th) and England (88 points, 8th). These rankings are calculated based on performance over the past 3-4 years, with points added or subtracted depending on each series' wins and losses, match results and opponent strength. But what happened in the case of Bangladesh? The number of ODI matches in the last two years has been few, and in those that have been played, the performances have been very disappointing.
Let's take the recent three-match series against Afghanistan as an example. Losing the first match by 26 runs, losing again in the second match—the series loss was assured. Even if the last match is won, there will be no change in the ranking. Before this, they lost continuously to strong teams like India, New Zealand, South Africa. As a result, points are being lost. Analysts say such performances are reminiscent of Bangladesh in the early 2000s, when the Tigers were not reliable at the World Cup. But we've come a long way since then—so why the decline now? The reasons include inconsistent batting, weak bowling, lack of experience in an injury-riddled squad and tactical mistakes by the coaching staff. But here's a glimmer of hope: Bangladesh are still doing well in the T20 format, which could have an impact in the ODIs.
2027 World Cup format: Top 8 for direct play—but how?
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. A total of 14 teams will participate in this tournament. Among them, the three host teams (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia) will play directly. The remaining 11 spots will be selected on the basis of ranking. If South Africa are ranked in the top 8 (which they likely will be), then the top 8 ranked teams will play directly. That is, Bangladesh should at least rank 8th or 9th. If South Africa are not in the top 8 (which is impossible), then the top 9 teams will play directly. The remaining 6 teams will come from the qualifiers, which is a risk of added pressure.
The ICC has announced that the cut-off date for the rankings will be March 31, 2027. So before that you have to collect as many points as possible. Bangladesh currently faces two main opponents: West Indies and England. Overtaking the West Indies to reach the 9th position will make the road much smoother, but experts believe that it is almost impossible to surpass England to the 8th position. This format is tougher than the previous World Cups, as rankings are more important. All full member teams played in the 2019 World Cup, but this time the qualifiers will be at risk if not ranked. It has brought an awakening for Bangladesh—now is not the time to give up, but to fight.
The equation ahead: West Indies whitewash, India win the series—and rivals fail!
Now the real question: What should Bangladesh do to play directly in the World Cup? The equation here is complicated, but not impossible. First, the upcoming three-match ODI series at home against the West Indies. It is Bangladesh's last ODI series before the India series in September 2026. A 3-0 (whitewash) win in this series would see West Indies move up to 9th place. If Afghanistan wins 2-1 in the last match, this whitewash is a golden opportunity. But if the series is lost, then the next equation becomes more difficult.
Second, the India series in September 2026. Beating India is tough, but playing abroad rather than at home will increase the challenge. Besides, the number of ODI matches is less even with T20 World Cup (2026) in between. So if West Indies miss the series, Bangladesh will have to rely on the failure of others. For example, if teams like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan or Pakistan do poorly in their series, then Bangladesh's points will improve comparatively. Besides, if the elected government comes to power, there are likely to be other bilateral series besides the India series, where it is important to grab a win. In summary, the equation is: (West Indies win 3-0) + (India win at least 2-1 series) + (opponents lose 2-3 series) = Top 8 chances. It is easy on paper, but challenging to implement in the field.
Challenges faced: batting-bowling weakness, injury spate—but where is the glimmer of hope?
The challenges facing Bangladesh cannot be ignored. Excessive pressure on the batting line-up, restlessness of youngsters - these are the reasons for the loss. Mustafizur Rahman's injury in bowling, lack of Taskin Ahmed and weakness in the spin department. In the Afghanistan series, it was seen that Bangladesh batsmen completely failed against spinners like Rashid Khan. Besides, the coaching staff's strategy: go defensive rather than aggressive in ODIs.
But there is no hope. Young talents like Tanjid Hasan, Tawheed Hriday, Aqib Ali—they are showing brilliance in T20Is, which can be applied in ODIs. Shakib's return, Liton Das' form recovery and Mehdi Hasan Miraj's leadership—these are positives. The West Indies series at home is an opportunity to get the support of the fans. If they want to avoid the qualifiers before the World Cup, they need to step up their training camp now, emphasize on fitness and adopt new strategies under the guidance of coach General Chandramohan.
Not fear, determination—the time has come for the renaissance of Bangladesh cricket!
Regardless of the apprehension about playing directly in the World Cup, this is a turning point for Bangladesh cricket. Time to forget yesterday's rates and move forward. From the West Indies series to the India series, every match has to be fought like a war. As fans know, the Tigers never give up—they've proven that since 2007. If this equation can match, then the red-green flag will fly again in the 2027 World Cup. And if not can? Then fighting in the qualifiers will show that Bangladesh is never defeated. Cricket lovers, now is the time for your support—because victory is not just on the field, but in the heart!
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