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West Indies face CWC qualifier threat; Bangladesh's fate linked
Published : Sunday, 9 August, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Two-time champions West Indies face the prospect of playing in the ODI World Cup qualifiers for the third consecutive time, while Bangladesh’s direct qualification fate tangled up in the process.
The Caribbeans played in the qualifiers before in two editions. However, they failed to qualify once - for the 2023 World Cup in India.
The qualification matrix shifted after Afghanistan defeated Ireland in their second ODI. Thei win triggered fresh uncertainty over West Indies’ direct spot for the 2027 ODI World Cup, set to be hosted in Africa among 14 teams.
Co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe have earned automatic entry. ICC rankings will determine eight other direct spots.
If one co-host stays in the top eight, the ninth-ranked team will qualify directly. If both co-hosts finish inside the top eight, teams up to the 10th position will secure direct berths.
Currently, South Africa sits inside the top eight. This leaves the ninth position open for direct qualification.
West Indies currently hold the 10th position with 77 rating points. Bangladesh lies ninth with 83 points, while Afghanistan sits eighth with 90 points.
To secure a direct berth, West Indies must reach at least ninth place by September 30 this year. However, they have only two ODIs left before the deadline - both against India.
Even a 2-0 series win over India will not lift West Indies to eighth place. Catching ninth-placed Bangladesh also remains nearly impossible, as the Caribbeans trail by six rating points.
If West Indies win both matches, their rating points will reach 82, leaving Bangladesh ahead with 83 points.
Bangladesh has no scheduled ODIs during this window. This eliminates any risk of losing points.
However, the scenario could change if Bangladesh plays their proposed ODI series against India, scheduled for September 1 to 13. The series remains unconfirmed.
If the series takes place and Litton Das' side suffer defeats, Bangladesh will drop rating points. That outcome would force them to depend on the results of the India-West Indies series.
While Bangladesh hold the upper hand for direct entry, they cannot remain entirely comfortable. The upcoming matches involving India will decide the final equation.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
