Sports Desk:

Bangladesh have missed a crucial opportunity to improve their ICC ODI ranking after losing to West Indies in a dramatic Super Over in the second match of the three-match series.

The series, currently level at 1-1, was Bangladesh’s chance to overtake West Indies in the rankings. Ahead of the series, Bangladesh were ranked 10th with 74 rating points, while West Indies sat 9th with 80 points. A 3-0 series win would have pushed Bangladesh up to 9th with 78 points, dropping West Indies to 76. Bu t with the second ODI ending in defeat, that scenario is no longer possible.

Bangladesh can now only win the series 2-1, which would take them to 76 points, while West Indies would drop slightly to 79. However, if the third ODI is abandoned, the points will remain unchanged. A West Indies win in the final match would see them rise to 81 points, with Bangladesh falling to 73.

The second ODI saw Bangladesh post 213 for 7, thanks largely to a late onslaught from Rishad Hossain, who smashed 39 not out off just 14 balls. Earlier, Soumya Sarkar scored 45 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 32, though the innings was marked by a slow run rate. West Indies matched the total, led by an unbeaten 53 from captain Shai Hope, taking the game into a Super Over.

It was the first time in their history that Bangladesh had experienced a tie in any format at the international level. However, the historic moment ended in disappointment. Mustafizur Rahman conceded 10 runs in the Super Over, including a boundary off the final ball. In reply, despite Akeal Hosein starting with a wide and a no-ball, Bangladesh could only manage 9 runs, losing one wicket in the process.

The series loss would be a setback in Bangladesh’s goal to qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup, which requires teams to be ranked at least 9th. With time and matches still in hand, the Tigers must now look ahead and aim to close the gap in upcoming fixtures.