South Africa Clinches Final Automatic Qualifying Place for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 After Rain Abandons Ireland vs Bangladesh Match

South Africa secured their spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, as the first match of the three-match ODI series between Ireland and Bangladesh was called off due to rain. The abandoned match confirmed South Africa’s place in the tournament, while Ireland’s hopes of securing the final automatic qualifying place were dashed.

Ireland’s Chances Dwindle as Rain Interrupts Play

Ireland needed to win all three matches of the series to have any chance of securing the final automatic qualifying place for the World Cup via the ICC ODI Super League, instead of South Africa. However, their chances were drastically reduced as rain interrupted their reply to Bangladesh’s score of 246-9.

Bangladesh was put in to bat by Ireland in what appeared to be decent batting conditions. Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored with 61 off 70 balls, for his 44th ODI half-century, while Najmul Hossain Shanto added 44 and Towhid Hridoy hit a 31-ball 27. However, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals, with Josh Little taking the best bowling figures of 3-61.

Ireland’s response got off to a poor start, losing the wickets of Paul Stirling (15) and captain Andy Balbirnie (5) in the space of 10 balls by the end of the fifth over. By the time rain stopped play, Ireland was 65-3 after 16.3 overs. Harry Tector was 21 not out and was joined in the middle by Lorcan Tucker (2) when the covers came on. Ireland needed to bat 20 overs or more for a result.

Final Qualifying in June and July for Ireland

As the match was abandoned, Ireland must go through final qualifying in June and July, and their hopes of securing an automatic qualifying place for the World Cup are now out of their hands. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has already secured an automatic qualifying berth for the tournament taking place in India over October and November.

South Africa’s place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is now confirmed, while Ireland’s hopes of securing an automatic qualifying place have been dashed. The abandoned match between Ireland and Bangladesh has left Ireland’s future in the tournament uncertain, as they must now go through final qualifying in June and July.