BD eye ranking gains in NZ ODI series

Bangladesh head into their upcoming ODI series against New Zealand national cricket team with more than just match and series victories on their minds - the battle for ranking points is equally significant.

Every ODI now carries added importance for Bangladesh as they aim to secure direct qualification for the next ICC World Cup. While an immediate jump in rankings may not be possible, the series presents a valuable opportunity to close the gap with higher-ranked teams, report agencies.

Following their recent series win over Pakistan national cricket team, Bangladesh climbed to ninth place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI rankings, overtaking West Indies cricket team. Their current rating stands at 79.

New Zealand, ranked second, pose a tough challenge. Even if Bangladesh win the series, they cannot immediately move up to eighth. However, a 2-1 series victory would take their rating to 83, while a clean sweep would lift it to 85 - bringing them closer to eighth-placed England cricket team, who currently have 88 points.

Even in defeat, Bangladesh could gain marginally. A 2-1 loss would still add one rating point, while a 3-0 defeat would cost them one point, leaving them on 78 - still enough to retain ninth place ahead of West Indies (77).

For New Zealand, the series carries more risk than reward due to the ranking gap. A 3-0 win would add just one point, but a 2-1 win would result in a one-point drop. Losing 2-1 would cost them three points, while a 3-0 defeat would see a five-point deduction. Such a scenario could bring them level with third-placed Australia national cricket team, though they would likely retain second place on decimal advantage.

New Zealand currently have 114 rating points, trailing table-toppers India national cricket team on 119.