Bangladesh has slipped to 10th place in the ICC ODI rankings—its lowest position in 19 years—following a prolonged run of disappointing performances. Yet there is hope that the upcoming three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka could spark a turnaround.
The crucial series begins Wednesday in Colombo and will be decisive for the Tigers’ ranking prospects. Bangladesh currently sits 10th with 76 rating points, just one point behind ninth-placed West Indies (77). A single victory would draw them level on points, and they could reclaim ninth spot on fractional differences.
If Bangladesh wins two matches in the series, their rating would rise to 78. Even a series whitewash of Sri Lanka would not change their position on the table but would increase their rating to 83, narrowing the gap with England (88) in eighth place.
Beating fourth-ranked Sri Lanka on their home turf is undoubtedly challenging—but not impossible. Bangladesh can draw on the confidence of having defeated Sri Lanka 12 times before in the ODI format.
However, recent form has been far from encouraging. Inconsistencies with bat and ball have seen Bangladesh lose their grip on the ODI rhythm that once kept them consistently around sixth or seventh place in the rankings.
Under the leadership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the Tigers will be looking not just for wins but for a resurgence in confidence. For Bangladesh, this series represents more than just a battle for ranking points—it is a fight to rediscover their self-belief.
