Bangladesh’s historic rise pushes Pakistan down in Test rankings

Bangladesh have rewritten a small but significant chapter in their Test cricket history, climbing to a record sixth position in the latest ICC Test team rankings. Despite losing the second Test against Australia by an innings and 51 runs in Mackay, their historic first Test victory in Australia—securing nine wickets in Darwin—lifted them three places to sixth. Australia responded with a devastating performance by Mitchell Starc, taking 10 wickets and dismissing Bangladesh for just 64 in the first innings and 95 in the second. Yet, Bangladesh’s achievement in Australia demonstrated their ability to compete against the world’s strongest Test sides. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s ranking drop to eighth follows a difficult period, including a crushing defeat in England’s opening Test at Headingley, where England won by an innings and 103 runs. Bangladesh’s rise has strengthened their Test cricket reputation, while Pakistan face an urgent challenge to regain momentum in England’s second Test at Lord’s, scheduled for August 27.