Bangladesh feature twice in Wisden’s top 15 Test series of the century

Bangladesh have been named in Wisden’s list of the top 15 Test series of the 21st century once for a famous triumph, and once for a painful defeat.

Wisden, often referred to as the “bible of cricket”, published the list on 7 August 2025. The prestigious UK-based annual chose series that have stood out for drama, quality, and significance in modern cricket. Bangladesh appear at positions seven and fifteen, both for home series: the 2016 contests against England and the 2021 post-Covid battles with the West Indies.

The 2016 two-match series against England was historic in Bangladesh’s cricketing story. In the first Test in Chattogram, the Tigers fell agonisingly short, losing by 22 runs after being bowled out for 263 while chasing 286. Sabbir Rahman’s unbeaten 64 was not enough as the middle and lower order collapsed despite four wickets still in hand at 227.

In Mirpur, however, the hosts turned the tables. Chasing 273, England reached 100 without loss before tea on the third day, only for Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan to produce a devastating spin assault. England were dismissed for 164, losing all ten wickets for just 64 more runs. Miraz claimed six scalps, Shakib the remaining four, sealing a 108-run win  Bangladesh’s only Test victory over England to date. This series sits 15th in Wisden’s ranking.

The 2021 series against a weakened West Indies side, arriving under Covid-19 restrictions, proved a bitter disappointment. In Chattogram, Kyle Mayers stunned Bangladesh with an unbeaten 210 from 310 balls, guiding his side to an improbable three-wicket win while chasing 395 on the final day.

In the second Test in Mirpur, Bangladesh stumbled while pursuing a modest target of 231. The spin trio of Rakeem Cornwall, Jomel Warrican, and captain Kraigg Brathwaite bowled them out for 213, handing the visitors a 2–0 series victory. It was the first time since the 2012–13 season that a non-Asian team had won a Test series in Bangladesh. This upset ranks seventh on Wisden’s list.

At the top of the 21st century list sits India’s 2020–21 series win in Australia, where they rebounded from being bowled out for 36 in the opening Test to claim the series 2–1. Second place went to the 2005 Ashes, while the recent 2025 India–England “Anderson–Tendulkar” series is ranked fifth.

Wisden’s top 15 Test series of the 21st century:

1. India v Australia (2020–21)

2. England v Australia (2005)

3. India v Australia (2000–01)

4. England v Australia (2023)

5. England v India (2025)

6. England v Sri Lanka (2014)

7. Bangladesh v West Indies (2020–21)

8. South Africa v Australia (2011–12)

9. India v Australia (2016–17)

10. South Africa v England (2004–05)

11. West Indies v Sri Lanka (2018)

12. Pakistan v New Zealand (2018–19)

13. Australia v New Zealand (2001–02)

14. Sri Lanka v Australia (2004)

15. Bangladesh v England (2016)