How far have Bangladesh moved towards direct World Cup qualification?

Four points from six against New Zealand have strengthened Bangladesh’s hold on ninth place and widened the gap over the West Indies in the race for direct qualification

Bangladesh have moved a step closer to direct qualification for the next World Cup after taking four points from a possible six in their series against New Zealand.

The result has strengthened their hold on ninth place in the rankings and widened the gap over 10th-placed West Indies.

For Mehidy Hasan Miraz, though, the target is not simply to squeeze into the tournament. The Bangladesh captain wants his side to climb even higher.

The teams to qualify directly for the World Cup will be decided by the rankings on Mar 31 next year. Apart from hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, the top eight teams in the table will earn automatic places.

A few months ago, Bangladesh’s position looked far less secure.

But three straight series wins have changed the picture. After beating the West Indies in a series, Miraz’s team narrowed the gap on them.

Then, by defeating Pakistan last month, Bangladesh moved above the Caribbean side into ninth.

Now, after winning the series against second-ranked New Zealand, Bangladesh’s rating points stand at 83. West Indies, in 10th, are on 77 points.

South Africa, already assured of a World Cup place as co-hosts, are fifth in the rankings, while Zimbabwe are 11th.

Unless something dramatic happens before Mar 31, South Africa are unlikely to slip below eighth and Zimbabwe are unlikely to climb into the top eight.

That means Bangladesh would qualify directly even if they stay in ninth.

Their next challenge comes against third-ranked Australia. They also have a home series against top-ranked India in September.

Those two series could work in Bangladesh’s favour. Victories would bring a strong boost in rating points, while defeats would not cause as much damage.

For now, Bangladesh appear to be in a relatively safe position. Miraz, however, is not interested in settling for that.

“Qualifying for the World Cup is important, but at the same time it is also important that we play good cricket,” he said.

“If we cannot play good cricket, then we will not be able to do it. Results are one thing, but the process for us is to play good cricket. If we can perform, win matches one by one and stay confident, then I think it is possible to achieve that.”

Miraz also believes Bangladesh can aim beyond merely holding on to ninth.

“If we can perform consistently, I think we can go much higher than ninth. That would be a huge advantage for our team.”