After a 77-run defeat in the first ODI, Bangladesh bounced back dramatically in the second match against Sri Lanka, securing a thrilling 16-run victory under the leadership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday night.
The win not only leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1 but also brought good news for Bangladesh in the ICC Men`s ODI rankings.
Before the series began, Bangladesh was ranked 10th in the ICC ODI rankings with 76 rating points.
Following their victory in the second ODI, the International Cricket Council (ICC) updated the rankings, and Bangladesh has now moved up to 9th place with 78 rating points.
On the same day, West Indies dropped to 10th with 77 points, while Sri Lanka fell from 4th to 5th place with 102 points. Pakistan, benefiting from Sri Lanka’s slip, has now climbed to 4th with 104 rating points.
There have been several changes within the top 10 of the ODI rankings. India remains at the top with 124 points, followed by New Zealand and Australia, both with 109 points. South Africa, Afghanistan, and England occupy the 6th, 7th, and 8th positions respectively.
The rankings hold added significance as the top eight teams by March 31, 2027, will qualify directly for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Teams finishing outside the top eight will have to compete in a qualifying tournament for the remaining four spots.
The final and decisive ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will take place in Pallekele the day after tomorrow.
A win would mark a historic first-ever ODI series victory for Bangladesh on Sri Lankan soil. Previously, the two teams shared a 1-1 draw in the 2017 ODI series in Sri Lanka. In their last ODI series encounter in 2024, Bangladesh won 2-1 at home.
