Bangladesh move to top of ICC ODI Super League

Chattogram, 25 Feb -Bangladesh climbed to the top of the ICC ODI Super League after their 88-run win against Afghanistan in the second ODI at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today.

The victory today helped Bangladesh amass 100 points from 14 matches. Bangladesh's victory left England who have 95 points from 15 matches to second position.

Seven countries would qualify to the ICC ODI World Cup directly in India to be held in 2023. As host country, India, regardless of their position in the Super League, will play directly.

13 teams are playing the ICC ODI Super League. The five teams that finish at the bottom will still have a chance to qualify for the 2023 World Cup. The five-bottom placed teams, along with Associate nations, will participate in traditional ODI World Cup Qualifiers, which will determine the remaining two spots for the 10-nation 2023 ODI World Cup.

Bangladesh so far played five series in the Super League and won four.

The Tigers played two series in away against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. While they whitewashed Zimbabwe in three-match series, they are being swept in New Zealand. At home, they whitewashed West Indies and beat Sri Lanka by 2-1 before taking an unassailable 2-0 lead against Afghanistan.

The outcome helped Bangladesh made a giant leap to confirm the 2023 World Cup before a tough series in South Africa, where they will also play a three- match series.

Given South African condition, Bangladesh hardly have any hopes to win even a match there.