Cricket fans have barely caught their breath after the thrilling T20 World Cup 2026, where India lifted their third title in front of a roaring Ahmedabad crowd. But the calendar moves fast in international cricket. With the T20 spectacle now done and dusted, attention moves to the 50-over format.
The next stop is a three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dhaka. On paper, it might not look like the biggest bilateral contest. But in reality, it has implications for the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification race.
The tournament, scheduled to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October–November 2027, will feature 12 teams. This will be two more than what we have seen in last two editions. While the hosts get automatic entry, the remaining teams must fight their way through the ICC ODI rankings. So, apart from the hosts (main hosts SA and ZIM), there are ten places waiting to be grabbed.
Why this Pakistan vs Bangladesh series suddenly matters
Bangladesh enter the series with more at stake than Pakistan. The Tigers are currently 10th in the ICC ODI rankings, which means they sit outside the automatic qualification spots. The top eight teams in the rankings (excluding the hosts) will secure direct entry into the World Cup.
Right now, Bangladesh’s biggest target is the West Indies, who sit just above them in ninth place with only a one-point advantage. If Bangladesh manage to beat Pakistan in this home series, they could close that gap and strengthen their push for direct qualification.
It is also a fresh start for the team after a turbulent few months. Bangladesh have not played international cricket since December and even missed the T20 World Cup due to a political dispute. However, they can be difficult to conquer in ODIs at their home.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have taken a different approach after their early T20 World Cup exit. The visitors have included six uncapped players in their squad. It is shocking that they dropped Babar Azam from the team, considering this remains the format he loves to bat in.
Direct qualification could save Bangladesh a risky detour
Avoiding the World Cup qualifiers is a must for Bangladesh. The qualifying tournament is notoriously unpredictable. Associate teams have repeatedly caused upsets in the past, and playing extra matches in unfamiliar conditions can derail even established sides.
With Zimbabwe already qualified as co-hosts, the race for direct qualification becomes even tighter. Bangladesh must climb into the top nine positions in the rankings to secure a guaranteed spot.
ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings
| Pos | Team | Matches | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 45 | 5377 | 119 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 47 | 5370 | 114 |
| 3 | Australia | 38 | 4134 | 109 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 41 | 4294 | 105 |
| 5 | South Africa (Q) | 41 | 4022 | 98 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 47 | 4600 | 98 |
| 7 | Afghanistan | 28 | 2657 | 95 |
| 8 | England | 43 | 3782 | 88 |
| 9 | West Indies | 41 | 3173 | 77 |
| 10 | Bangladesh | 38 | 2882 | 76 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe (Q) | 24 | 1291 | 54 |
Qualification pathway for ICC Cricket World Cup 2027
| Method of Qualification | Date of Qualification | Teams | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosts | 16 Nov 2021 | South Africa, Zimbabwe | Automatic qualification |
| ICC ODI Rankings (Top teams excluding hosts) | 31 Mar 2027 | 8 Teams | Direct entry into World Cup |
| Qualifiers | 2027 | 2 Teams | Will play ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier |
