Ultimate aim is to improve our standard in ODIs: Phil Simmons

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons said the team is not overly focused on direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's ODI Cricket World Cup as they prepare for a three-match ODI series against Pakistan, starting March 11 in Dhaka.

Bangladesh, having lost four of their last five ODI series, are looking for a fresh start in their return to the ODI format after a four-month gap.

To qualify automatically for the 14-team tournament, a side must be in the top eight of the ICC ODI rankings by March 31, 2027. Bangladesh currently sit 10th with 74 rating points. With Zimbabwe already assured a place as co-hosts, Bangladesh are effectively 11th in the race for direct qualification and must climb to at least ninth by the cut-off.

"The ultimate aim is to improve our standard in ODI cricket rather than getting too caught up in qualification mathematics," Simmons said ahead of the series opener at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

"The team may not currently have the same level of experience as when Bangladesh once topped the ODI rankings, but our focus is on ensuring the present group plays to the best of its ability. The work we are doing now is aimed at helping the team climb up the rankings table. Our ambition is not only to remain within the top eight to secure automatic qualification, but also to keep moving upward by consistently playing better cricket."

"While the long-term objective is to reach a stronger position in the rankings before the qualification cut-off date, the immediate priority is to improve the quality of cricket we are playing," he added.

Simmons said his team is moving past the disappointment of withdrawing from the recent T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka for security reasons. Preparation through the one-day version of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) helped players shift focus.

"I think we are at that stage now where we're getting past that. It was very hurtful for the guys. But I think we're getting to the stage, and I think the BCL helped with that little tournament, so we started to get back into the frame of playing 50-over cricket and thinking about these three matches here. So, I think we're getting there," Simmons added.

Simmons noted he will put "a lot of emphasis" on how batters perform during the middle phase of the ODI innings. The team has concentrated on strengthening its middle-order, recalling Litton Das and Afif Hossain.

"The middle overs, yes, we've not been performing as well as we'd like. So, that's one of the areas we are going to stress a lot – how many runs, singles, and boundaries we can get in those overs. It's a crucial part of the 50-over game," Simmons said.

With Litton set for a middle-order role, Simmons explained the reasoning: "First of all, it's very challenging to keep for 50 overs and then open the batting. Litton is also one of our better players against spin, so placing him in the middle should help. As I said, the middle overs have been one of our Achilles' heels. With his experience and skills, we hope to get what we need in that phase."

"Litton has been comfortable batting anywhere. I think now he's more relaxed with his game and sees it as an opportunity to do what the team needs from him," he added.

All three ODIs will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on March 11, 13, and 15.