The International Cricket Council (ICC) routinely updates its team rankings at the end of each week and following major tournaments. However, the annual update released at the beginning of May carries particular significance, as it reassesses teams based on a broader performance cycle. The 2026 annual update has brought positive news for Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team.
According to an official ICC media release published on Friday, Bangladesh have moved up one place to seventh in the Women’s One Day International (ODI) rankings. The side, led by Nigar Sultana, advanced by overtaking Pakistan in the latest standings.
The annual rankings are calculated using a three-year performance window. Matches played between 1 May 2025 and 30 April 2026 are given full weighting, while performances from the preceding two years are weighted at 50 per cent. This methodology ensures that recent results have a greater influence on the rankings, while still accounting for longer-term consistency.
There has been no change among the top six teams in the women’s ODI rankings. Australia remain in first place with 163 rating points, maintaining a significant lead over the rest of the field. England hold second position with 128 points, followed closely by India with 126. South Africa occupy fourth place with 100 points, while New Zealand (93) and Sri Lanka (89) retain fifth and sixth positions respectively. Bangladesh, now on 73 points, have climbed to seventh, reflecting their improved standing. West Indies and Ireland complete the top ten in ninth and tenth places.
A summary of the leading positions in the women’s ODI rankings is presented below:
| Position | Team | Rating Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 163 |
| 2 | England | 128 |
| 3 | India | 126 |
| 4 | South Africa | 100 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 93 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 89 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 73 |
Alongside the women’s ODI update, the ICC also released the annual men’s Test team rankings. Australia continue to lead the table with 131 points. South Africa, the reigning ICC World Test Championship winners, remain in second place with 119 points. India have moved up to third position with 104 points, overtaking England, who have dropped to fourth with 102.
New Zealand retain fifth place, while Pakistan have progressed to sixth, pushing Sri Lanka down to seventh. West Indies are placed eighth, followed by Bangladesh in ninth and Zimbabwe in tenth.
Ireland have been removed from the Test rankings due to not playing the minimum requirement of eight matches within the designated period. Both Ireland and Afghanistan must play at least two Tests within the next year to regain eligibility for inclusion in the rankings.
The ICC has also confirmed that the annual updates for the T20I rankings will be published on 5 May, followed by the men’s ODI rankings on 7 May.