Bangladesh even poor than Scotland! Stats reveal shambolic T20 World Cup record

Bangladesh have a poorer T20 WC record than Scotland [Source: AFP]

On Saturday, the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in group C of the T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh government maintained its stance, refusing to send its players to India for the marquee event, citing security concerns. As a result, the ICC gave Scotland a wildcard entry, allotting them the fifth spot in group C, comprising England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies. 

Although Bangladesh and Scotland have been two familiar teams in the T20 World Cup, the former will miss the tournament for the first time. As these two sides continue to grab the headlines following ICC's groundbreaking move, here we compare their overall performance in the T20 World Cup. 

Bangladesh in T20 World Cups: A tale of occasional highs with a string of lows

(Bangladesh's record in T20 World Cup)

• Bangladesh have played 45 matches across nine T20 World Cup editions from 2007 to 2024. They have managed only twelve wins, registering an abysmal win percentage of 26.67. Their win-to-loss ratio of 0.375 is the worst among the ICC full-member nations, signifying their torrid run in the history of the competition. 
• Bangladesh have suffered a group-stage exit thrice, while failing to qualify for the knockouts in the T20 World Cup. Despite the ICC granting them Test status way back in 2000, the Tigers have never entered the league of elites, indicating persistent mediocrity in their performance. 
• Although Bangladesh were quick to live their moment of glory, defeating West Indies in the first T20 World Cup edition, the promising signs faded and eventually turned into an unfulfilled potential as the tournament grew in stature. In fact, Bangladesh have lost to teams like Scotland and Hong Kong, who have yet to get the ICC full-member status. 

Scotland in T20 World Cups: The dark horse that teams can't afford to undermine

• Meanwhile, Scotland have played relatively fewer matches while registering better numbers than Bangladesh in the T20 World Cups. The Scottish team has featured in 22 matches across nine T20 World Cup editions. They have won seven games, recording a better win-to-loss ratio and win percentage than Bangladesh in the marquee event. 
• Scotland has been one of the most consistent sides in the T20 World Cup qualifiers, emerging victorious 12 times in 26 matches. A tight six-run win over Bangladesh in 2021 and a 42-run victory over the West Indies in 2022 speak volumes for their achievements in the tournament. 
• Their record is actually praiseworthy, considering they don't have the full-member status and hence don't get a major share from the ICC as revenue, unlike Bangladesh. 

Final verdict

Thus, analysing their respective efficiencies, we reckon Bangladesh have failed to live up to the expectations, while Scotland have shown why they can be considered as giant killers in the shortest format. 

As a team of individuals who rarely get an opportunity to showcase their mettle at the highest level, Scotland's entry in the T20 World Cup 2026 will inspire them to bring out their best, thereby aiding their progress in international cricket. 

On the contrary, Bangladesh's exile from the tournament is a lesson for them, as it will encourage their government to take real-world solutions rather than those driven by ego disguised as self-respect.