Bangladesh rise to record sixth in Test rankings

Bangladesh climbed three places to a record sixth in the ICC Test rankings despite Sunday's series-ending defeat to Australia in Mackay.

The Tigers now sit on 78 rating points, behind Australia (126), South Africa (119), New Zealand (106), India (104) and England (99) respectively.

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Their previous best ranking was seventh, achieved in May this year after Bangladesh completed a 2-0 home series victory over Pakistan.

The latest rise comes after the 1-1 draw in Australia tour, with Bangladesh's historic nine-wicket victory in Darwin helping boost their position. The Mackay defeat, however, ended the tour on a sour note as Australia won by an innings and 51 runs inside two days.

"It’s good news, definitely good news. It would have felt even better if we could have played good cricket in this Test match. But climbing to number 6 for the first time in Test cricket is a massive achievement," Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said after the second Test on Sunday.

Bangladesh's rise also means they have moved ahead of Sri Lanka (76), Pakistan (75), West Indies (74) and Zimbabwe (17).

Australia remain comfortably at the top with 126 points from 27 matches, while South Africa are second on 119. New Zealand's 106 puts them third, followed by India on 104 and England on 99.

The ranking is particularly significant for Bangladesh, who had spent much of their Test history outside the top six.

The Tigers' progress in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 table has also remained intact despite the Mackay defeat.

Bangladesh are fourth with 40 points and a points percentage of 55.56, behind Australia (80.00), South Africa (75.00) and New Zealand (72.22).

They have played six WTC matches so far, winning three, losing two and drawing one. Their latest defeat to Australia was their first loss in the current cycle after three successive wins.

India are fifth with a 53.33 points percentage, meaning Bangladesh remain narrowly ahead of the former champions in the WTC standings.

The Tigers' next WTC assignment will be a two-Test series in South Africa, where they will look to strengthen their position among the leading contenders.