The historic series win of Bangladesh against Pakistan in Pakistan with a comprehensive whitewash elevated the raking of the team to fourth overtaking England, South Africa and Sri Lanka. 

Bangladesh is now in hand-shaking distance with New Zealand. This new earned position has also created new challenges for playing consistently well against top teams. India, Australia are way above as leaders of the lot. They are favorite for playing in the final at Lords in 2025. However, a lot may still happen between now and then.  These two will meet in Australia in crucial position decider later this year. 

Bangladesh plays two very important test matches against India in India. Against formidable India, Bangladesh will have acid test. Very optimistic Bangladesh will dream of Bangladesh upsetting strong India in India. But now found confidence and strong will to win puts team tigers in much stronger position than ever before. Bangladesh will not be mere push overs. 

ICC Test Championship Ranking

DD: Points deducted for slow over rate 
PCT: Percentage of Points Earned. 
•    12 points for a win 
•    06 points for a tie 
•    04 points for a draw 

The two top teams according to percentage of points earned meet in the final. New Zealand beating India won the championship won the championship in the inaugural championship. Australia won the second beating India in the final again. These three teams is still among the top three now. 

As stated above the India Australia series in Australia will possibly ultimately decide the finalists. But New Zealand and England have also possibilities of reaching among the top tea. At least theoretically Bangladesh is also among the favorites if they can salvage some points against strong India. England is expected to win against Pakistan in the upcoming series in Pakistan. 

Bangladesh appears to be a far balanced and enthusiastic unit after their rock and roll performance against Pakistan. Many rate the series win - first against Pakistan and that too in Pakistan as the most significant achievement of its 24 years period as member of the elite test family. The 10 wickets drubbing of Pakistan is the worst of Pakistan against any team at home in its history. It was only the second time Pakistan was whitewashed at home after 3-0 drubbing it was handed over by England in 2022. Bangladeshi batsmen Mushfique (191 in the first test) , Litton K Das ( 138 in the second test ) , Mehedi Hasan Miraj in both the test , Shadman Islam and Mominul Haq batted brilliantly against testing conditions. Bangladesh pace attack featuring Hasan Mahmood, Nahid Rana, Taskin and Shoriful looked far more impressive in the series than Shaeen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Sajjad, Mohammad Ali. Bangladeshi spinners are world class. Mehidy Miraj and Shakib tested and tormented Pakistan batting even on the docile track. Bangladesh fielded much better and even were smarter in taking DRS. Overall Bangladesh looked far better in all round abilities. If before India Rishad Hossain, the willy leg spinners is added to the team Bangladesh will have formidable and balanced attack to challenge India in India. The tearaway pace of rookie Nahid may create spot of bother for Indian batting. There is little worry for batting consistency. India has strong bowling unit and on Indian wickets they are often invincible. 

Anyway, a word or two about Haturasinghe. BCB and Bangladesh sports administration talked a bit about continuation of Haturasinghe as head coach. However, the historic success of Bangladesh in Pakistan has put all in a dilemma. It will not be fair and to be honest appropriate changing hm now with the very important India series knocking at the door. Other issue is Shakib. He has been given NOC for playing in England. After a small stint there he is expected to join Bangladesh squad in India. He was an important part of series winning team tigers in Pakistan. He even struck the series winning boundary at Rawalpindi. Shakib walks into Bangladesh team in any format on his cricket ability. It will matter whether he is required to return to Bangladesh for reasons outside cricket. 

Anyway, we cricket enthusiasts and well-wishers of Bangladesh cricket are looking forward for greater glories in days ahead. Go tigers go. 

BDST: 1223 HRS, SEPT 05, 2024
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