Bangladesh ODI 2027 World Cup Qualification Scenario (AFP)
Bangladesh returned to international cricket after boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 due to strained geopolitical relations with India, the co-host of the tournament. After a hiatus of three months, the Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI series seemed like a fresh beginning for the Bangla Tigers.
On Sunday, in the final ODI, both the teams entered the series finale with a win each to their name. However, Bangladesh got the best out of the Shaheen Afridi-led Pakistan, defeating them by 11 runs to clinch a 2-1 series victory in Dhaka. Defending a target of 291 runs, Bangladesh bowled out the visitors for 279 in 50 overs.
Bangladesh seek redemption with 2027 World Cup qualification
With the T20 World Cup 2026 now being just an uncomfortable memory, Bangladesh are readjusting their long-term goal towards the next World Cup, the ODI version in 2027, with an emphasis on securing an automatic qualification.
Coming into the three-match ODI series, Najmul Hossain Shanto said the goal of achieving direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup remains possible if Bangladesh remain a close-knit unit with consistent performances.
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"It is definitely going to be a new start," Shanto told ESPNcricinfo. "Whichever way you see it, our goal is to ultimately reach the 2027 World Cup. If we can progress together with each other, as a team, I think it is possible. We have to shut out the outside noise. We also have to be patient with this group of players. We have to stick to our long-term goals. It would ensure our success.
How does World Cup qualification work?
The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature 14 teams, with qualification based on ICC ODI rankings and global qualifiers. South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically as hosts, while the top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027 (excluding hosts), earn direct entry.
While the remaining four spots will be filled from the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, taking place in the summer of 2027, where the next two teams in the men's rankings go up against the top four from Cricket World Cup League 2, and the top four teams from the Qualifier Play-Off.
Bangladesh remain in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification
Bangladesh currently sits 10th in the ICC ODI Team rankings as of March 2026, below India, New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, England, and West Indies.
Notably, with the 2-1 series win, they will potentially move up to the 9th spot after the upcoming updates. However, in order to qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup, they need to remain in the top 9.
At present, in the ICC ODI Rankings, South Africa, one of the co-hosts, sits 5th. Moreover, if they are dropped out of the automatic spots, the 9th-ranked team, that is, Bangladesh, should qualify.
Understanding the need of the hour, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz emphasised that Bangladesh needs to do well in ODIs going forward to qualify automatically for the World Cup next year. The Bangla Tigers have made a good start, keeping that in mind.
“We have to keep our ranking points in mind. It is most important for us in the coming days. It will help us in automatic qualification for the World Cup in 2027. We are focused on winning matches and winning series,” Mehidy Hasan Miraz understands.
This year, Bangladesh is set to play another three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting from December 1, 2026. It is worth noting that the Bangla Tigers have lost just 1 out of the last 11 ODI series that they have played at home.
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