The bilateral series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka cannot be taken lightly since this ODI series will have a direct effect on the ICC ODI Super League points table. Every match in this series carries equal importance. Bangladesh would be in a strong position in the ICC ODI Super League if the series is won 3-0. Even after winning the contest, Bangladeshi players would have to play more energetically in order to complete the series with a total of 30 points. The significance of Sri Lanka series for Bangladesh's 2023 World Cup Berth is discussed in this article. 

Importance of the Sri Lanka series for Bangladesh

Apart from the ICC One-Day International Super League, the Sri Lanka series is crucial for Bangladesh for a number of reasons, this includes the following: Tamim Iqbal should use the series to further his development as a captain and to assess the team's strength in order to build a strong squad for the next World Cup. The result of the series could help improve Bangladesh's position in the One-Day International format, and will give them a genuine chance to win an ODI series against Sri Lanka for the first time. The series will also be a litmus test for Coach Russell Domingo, who is currently dealing with a lot of pressure. 

Bangladesh will have the opportunity to overtake each team in the ICC ODI CWC Super League points table and take the no.1 position. Team tigers' will be the CWC Super League's topside for the first time if they simply win the contest against the Lankans. Bangladesh can also close the gap with sixth-ranked Pakistan in the ICC One-Day International team rankings.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will enter into the CWC Super League points table if they win a match against Bangladesh. The Lankan national side will also narrow the gap with seventh-place Bangladesh in the ICC One-Day International team rankings.

Read: Bangladesh and Sri Lanka all set to face off in an ODI Series

Required points for Bangladesh ensure 2023 World Cup

Each competing team will play a total of 8 series, both at home and abroad, with every series consisting of three matches. As a result, each team will play a total of 24 matches, giving them the opportunity to win a total of 240 points.

Apart from host India, the top eight teams in the league will be guaranteed a place in the World Cup 2023. Many believe that if a team gets at least 150 points, they can easily make the top eight, but some believe that each team would require 170 points to qualify for the World Cup directly. If Bangladesh win the series 3-0 against Sri Lanka, they will have 60 points.

In other words, Bangladesh will be guaranteed a place in the 2023 World Cup if they win 9/10 of the 15 matches in the next five series. Bangladesh have six scheduled matches against England and South Africa in the remaining ODI Super League series.

On the other hand, nine matches will be played against Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. The schedule indicates the significance of the series against Sri Lanka for Bangladesh. 

Read: Babar, Boult, and Shakib Lead ICC ODI Player Rankings in May 2021

Top 8 teams of ICC ODI CWC Super League (as of May 22)
Position	Team	Pld	W	L	Pts
1	England	9	4	5	40
2	Pakistan	6	4	2	40
3	Australia	6	4	2	40
4	New Zealand	3	3	0	30
5	Afghanistan	3	3	0	30
6	Bangladesh	6	3	3	30
7	West Indies	6	3	3	30
8	India	6	3	3	29

 Bottom Line

The Sri Lanka series is important in order to build a strong position in the ICC ODI Super League for Bangladesh's 2023 World Cup Berth. Furthermore, winning this series would propel Bangladesh to the top of the ICC One-Day International Super League for the first time, which would be an amazing achievement. So, this contest between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is crucially significant. 

Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Five Memorable Match-Winning ODI Performances