


Bangladesh has secured a major boost in the ICC ODI rankings following a historic 2-1 series victory against Pakistan. The "Miraz Army" moved up one spot from 10th to 9th position, overtaking the West Indies in the latest standings.
The Tigers clinched the series in a high-stakes "final" at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 15. Defending a total of 290, Bangladesh’s bowling unit held their nerve to restrict Pakistan to 279, winning the match by 11 runs.
The series victory significantly improved Bangladesh’s rating points. Before the start of the tour, Bangladesh sat at 76 points; they have now climbed to 79 points. Meanwhile, the West Indies dropped to 10th place with 77 points. Despite the series loss, Pakistan remains in 4th place with 102 points.
This climb is more than just a numbers game—it is a vital step toward direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. To secure a direct ticket without playing the qualifiers, Bangladesh must remain in the top eight (excluding co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe) by the March 31 deadline next year.
Led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh showed resilience throughout the series:
1st ODI: Bangladesh took an early lead with a dominant win.
2nd ODI: Pakistan bounced back with a 128-run victory to level the series.
3rd ODI: Powered by Tanzid Hasan Tamim's maiden century (107) and Taskin Ahmed’s 4-wicket haul, the hosts sealed the historic trophy.
Previously, Bangladesh had remained stagnant at 10th place despite wins over the West Indies. This victory over a higher-ranked Pakistan side marks a turning point for the team’s momentum as they eye the top eight.
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