Bangladesh gain points in Test cricket rankings

Mirpur (Bangladesh), Aug 3 - Bangladesh have accumulated six points after the rain-marred cricket Test series against South Africa that ended in a draw.

The second and final Test was called off on the fifth day due to the wet outfield at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Monday after the first match suffered a similar fate. The hosts, ranked ninth in Tests, now have 47 points as the two matches barely allowed four days of action in total, reports bdnews24.com.

Bangladesh also managed a draw in the one-off Test against India in June. They took two points in the Fatullah Test which lost nine sessions to the rain. Hence, the hosts earned eight points playing just six days in three Tests.

Mushfiqur Rahim, however, is unwilling to give rain all the credit for their first ever series draw against the Proteas.

"Many are saying rain saved Bangladesh. It is not like that at all. Let's talk about this match. Scoring 246 on this wicket is like scoring 350 on others. I batted here myself, I know the wicket was not easy at all. We played well in the last Test as well. We have achieved much in this series," the captain said.

Bangladesh stand far behind eighth placed West Indies, who have 81 points, while Zimbabwe are at the bottom with just five points.

South Africa lost five points after the series, slipping from 130 to 125, but are still at the top as Australia follow with 111

(IANS)