Photo: Collected
After a thoroughly disappointing UAE leg, Bangladesh now have to look towards South Africa. The team were knocked out in the league stage of the tri-nation ODI series after losing both their matches — to Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. Not only did they lose, but the side led by Towhid Hridoy could not even put up an even fight against their opponents in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Mention of South Africa may bring to mind the 2027 ODI World Cup, which South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe will co-host next year. But Bangladesh have a different reason to keep watch. A draw in the ongoing Australia-South Africa Test in Port Elizabeth would benefit Bangladesh. That is because a draw would leave South Africa’s percentage of points at 55.56. And Bangladesh are currently fourth in the 2025-27 Test Championship with 55.56 per cent.
Australia top the table with 81.82 per cent. Even if the Port Elizabeth Test is drawn, they will stay on top, though their percentage would then drop to 77.78. New Zealand are second with 72.22 per cent and the Proteas third with 60 per cent.
Rain has eaten up most of this second Test between South Africa and Australia. Today, on the fifth day too, the first session was washed out. Australia are now 240 for 6 in 86 overs in their second innings; they need another 85 runs to avoid the follow-on.
Bangladesh’s failure on the UAE tour was complete. In the one-off Test against Afghanistan at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium, the scales were tipped in Bangladesh’s favour, but the Afghans eventually earned a heroic draw. Chasing Bangladesh’s target of 479, the draw was secured once they had reached 346 for 8.
At a glance
According to an ICC report of 10 October, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will play each other once in the league stage of the UAE tri-nation ODI series, followed by the final on 23 October.
Source — original report: Ajker Patrika | Background source: ICC, 10 October 2026
