Bangladesh cricket has received a significant morale boost following the ICC’s latest update to the men’s T20 rankings. A series of impressive performances in the recently concluded T20 series against Ireland has propelled two Bangladeshi stars—Mustafizur Rahman and Parvez Hossain Imon—into eye-catching positions on the global charts. Their growth reflects not only individual improvement but also a promising shift in Bangladesh’s T20 cricket trajectory.
Mustafizur’s rise is particularly noteworthy. Despite going wicketless in the first two matches of the series, the left-arm seamer delivered tight spells that restricted the Irish batters and prevented them from building momentum. His variations, especially the slower cutters, remained difficult to handle, highlighting why he continues to be Bangladesh’s most trusted weapon in the shorter formats. As a result of his economical and impactful bowling, Mustafizur climbed two spots in the ICC rankings and now sits proudly at eighth among T20 bowlers. It is his highest position in recent years and a reminder of his continued relevance on the world stage.
Parvez Hossain Imon, meanwhile, produced one of the most significant jumps of his career. The young left-handed batter showcased composure, aggression, and adaptability throughout the series. He played responsible innings in pressure moments and contributed vital runs at the top order. These performances earned him a remarkable 21-place rise in the ICC T20 batting rankings—making him one of the fastest-rising Bangladeshi batters in recent memory. His improvement has sparked discussions about his long-term potential and place in Bangladesh’s future T20 core.
The momentum wasn’t limited to just these two players. Several other Bangladesh cricketers made healthy strides in the new rankings. Off-spin allrounder Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, who took three wickets in the second match and another in the final clash, moved up three places to take the 14th spot. His growing control, effective powerplay bowling, and ability to break partnerships have made him increasingly indispensable in Bangladesh’s T20 plans.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, another standout performer, claimed four wickets across the first and third matches. His sharp googlies and deceptive flight troubled the Irish batters throughout the series, earning him a five-place rise to 15th in the rankings. At just the beginning of his international career, Rishad’s rapid growth could be a huge asset for Bangladesh moving forward.
Even bowlers who did not take many wickets found themselves rewarded for maintaining discipline. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, despite missing out on wickets in his two appearances, impressed with his miserly economy rate. This helped him rise five places, taking him to 25th. Such consistency will encourage Bangladesh’s coaching staff as they prepare for upcoming global tournaments.
Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who took three wickets in the first two matches, climbed two spots to 35th. His sharp swing and aggressive intent have positioned him as a strong long-term contender in Bangladesh’s pace battery.
Collectively, the upward movement in rankings signifies a crucial shift. Bangladesh’s T20 unit is growing more balanced, more confident, and more competitive globally. With a mix of experienced performers and rising talents, the team looks well-placed to challenge top sides in future series. The ICC’s updated rankings are more than just numbers—they are a reflection of Bangladesh’s growing presence in world cricket.
