Bangladesh team has a fair chance to rise in the ICC Test team rankings

A couple of years ago, with their performance in the 2015 World Cup Bangladesh cricket’s rise was undeniable. They seem to be a different team since. Though traditional metric is not for what an International team plays, once Bangladesh rose to the sixth position in ODI rankings, their way to approach games has changed completely, there is a lot more belief and fire in the team.

Recently concluded Champions Trophy in England and Wales is one of the many examples when the Bangladeshi team produced a stunning upset at a grand stage. From ousting England in 2015 World Cup to Australia and New Zealand in Champions Trophy, they have started to get the basics right.

Tigers look to continue their good run

Now, having proved their stature in limited overs format, Bangladeshi cricket looks to jump an echelon up in Test rankings. Heading into the South Africa series where they will play two Tests, they have a fair chance to rise to the number eight spot in the Test team rankings. For this, all they need to do is not lose the series against South Africa.

It looks more pragmatic considering their numbers in the past 12 months as they beat Sri Lanka, England, and Australia. However, they are still sitting at number nine with 74 points in the Test rankings, just one less than number eight, West Indies.

On the other hand, the series seems to be important for the hosts as well. In the current Test rankings, South Africa is just below India and occupies the second spot with 110 points. They are 15 points behind India. Which means a single draw against the Bangladeshi team will cost them points and losing a series will push them to the third position, allow England to go past them with 105 points.

Scenario

South Africa beat Bangladesh 2-0 – South Africa 111 points, Bangladesh 72 points

South Africa beat Bangladesh 1-0 – South Africa 109 points, Bangladesh 74 points

Series drew 1-1 or 0-0 – South Africa 106 points, Bangladesh 78 points

Bangladesh beat South Africa 1-0 – Bangladesh 83 points, South Africa 103 points

Bangladesh beat South Africa 2-0 – Bangladesh 85 points, South Africa 102 points

The assignment

The two Test matches which are set to start at Potchefstroom on September 28. The second and final Test match will be played at Bloemfontein staring on October 6. The month-long tour also includes limited overs action which will comprise of three ODIs followed by two T20 Internationals.