The equation for Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s team to qualify for the World Cup is becoming increasingly difficult. The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature 14 teams.
As host nations, South Africa and Zimbabwe are already confirmed participants. Among the remaining 12 teams, the top eight will directly qualify for the main tournament. The other four teams will have to go through a qualifying round to secure their spots.
Following the ODI series loss against Sri Lanka, it has become a major challenge for Bangladesh to finish in the top eight of the points table. So far, the Tigers’ position is concerning. If they fail to perform well in the upcoming series, securing a World Cup ticket will be extremely difficult for Mehidy Hasan Miraz and his team.
Bangladesh’s crucial mission begins this October, with a three-match ODI series at home against the West Indies. In November, they will face Ireland in another series. Then in April next year, Bangladesh is scheduled to play three ODIs against Pakistan on Pakistani soil.
After that, there are also plans to play ODIs against New Zealand. A series against Australia is likely to take place in June. Altogether, Bangladesh is set to face a series of important matches against strong teams.
However, the biggest opportunity seems to be the potential five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in July next year. As Zimbabwe is a relatively weaker opponent, a big series win could help Bangladesh climb the rankings significantly. Additionally, Bangladesh is planning to play against Ireland and South Africa as well.
But if they fail to perform well in these upcoming series, the Tigers may have to take the qualifier route to reach the 2027 World Cup. To qualify directly, a team must be among the top eight in the ODI Super League or equivalent rankings by March 31, 2027. Therefore, Miraz and his team must improve their standing within this timeframe.
The upcoming series are not just regular bilateral series anymore—each match is becoming a battle for a World Cup ticket. Bangladesh’s fight for qualification begins with the series against the West Indies.
