ODI World Cup: South Africa directly qualify after Bangladesh-Ireland match abandoned due to rain
ODI World Cup - SA directly qualify after Ban-Ire match washed out
South Africa directly qualified for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, to be held in India later this year, after the first ODI between Bangladesh and Ireland got washed out due to rain. Thus, weather gods finally assisted South Africa to assure them an automatic qualifying spot in the mega event in the subcontinent. Ireland, on the other hand, can still qualify but will have to go through the 10-team qualifying tournament in June-July.
Ireland had to whitewashBangladesh 3-0, in the three-match series being held in England, to pip South Africa and (with the net run rate also coming into the picture) to directly qualify for the marquee tournament in India. However, the first ODI could not get completed due to rain as Ireland were struggling at 65 for 3 in 16.3 overs in pursuit of Bangladesh's 246/9.
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Ireland's run-chase required at least 20 overs to be bowled to get a result. With that not possible, the match got abandoned due to rain. Temba Bavuma-led Proteas' last ODI assignment was against the Netherlands at home, which they won 2-0 to move to the eighth spot in theWorld Cup Super League. With Ireland-Bangladesh first ODI producing no result, they have now joined India, Australia, England, Pakistan, New Zealand, etc. to reach the showpiece event.