Bangladesh are in a strong position to secure a direct place in the 2027 ODI World Cup after Afghanistan’s victory over Ireland left the Tigers inside the top eight of the ICC ODI rankings.
Afghanistan beat Ireland by three wickets in Belfast on Sunday, securing their own place among the top-ranked teams and leaving Bangladesh in the final direct qualification spot.
Bangladesh’s qualification is not official yet.
The ICC rankings will decide the final positions on September 30, but the Tigers are currently in a position that is unlikely to change significantly before the deadline.
South Africa and Zimbabwe have already qualified as the two host nations. The remaining eight direct spots will go to the highest-ranked teams at the September 30 cutoff.
The current top eight are Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
If Bangladesh remain in the top eight, they will avoid the qualifying tournament and enter the World Cup directly.
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will jointly host the 2027 tournament.
The result in Belfast also confirmed a difficult path ahead for the West Indies.
The two-time world champions are currently ranked 10th and cannot move into the top eight even if they win their remaining two ODIs against India before the cutoff.
West Indies will therefore have to play in the World Cup Qualifier in February and March next year.
It will be the third consecutive World Cup cycle in which they have needed to go through the qualifying route.
The West Indies missed the 2023 World Cup after finishing fifth in the Super Six stage, ending their record of appearing in every previous edition.
They also failed to make the 2025 Champions Trophy, their first absence from that tournament since 2013.
The 2027 Qualifier will feature West Indies and Ireland, along with teams coming through World Cup League 2 and the Qualifier Playoff.
The qualification system has also been changed for the 2027 tournament.
The Qualifier winner will move directly into the second round of the World Cup. Teams finishing second to fourth will play in a Super Series, with the winner also earning a place in the second round.
For Bangladesh, however, the focus is now on maintaining their position until September 30.
If they stay inside the top eight, they will secure direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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