South Africa reliant on Ireland-Bangladesh ODIs for 2023 World Cup direct qualification

Ireland are gearing up for a crucial three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, which accounts World Cup Super League points for a berth in the forthcoming World Cup in India. The series will be key for South Africa, who will eagerly be following the matches as their direct qualification hopes in the marquee event hang by a thread.

For the unversed, the three-match Ireland-Bangladesh series marks the final chapter of the ICC ODI Super League. While seven teams have already qualified for the ODI World Cup, Ireland and South Africa are the two teams in contention for the final spot. The Proteas are placed eighth in the World Cup Super League standings with 98 points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.077. On the other hand, team Ireland are 11^th with 68 points and a NRR of -0.382.

While the Irish side has an uphill task against the Bangla Tigers, a 3-0 whitewash will hand them a direct qualification for the World Cup at South Africa’s expense. However, Ireland will also require a big win in either of the three matches to boost their NRR as they will be tied on points with the Proteas even if they win all the fixtures.

The South African contingent will be pinning their hopes on Bangladesh to win the matches as it will help them secure their berth in the ODI marquee event. Notably, each of the three fixtures will be played at the County Cricket Ground in Chelmsford. It is the first time the venue hosts a One-Day fixture after 24 years, having hosted two World Cup matches in 1999. 

In March, Bangladesh comfortably beat Ireland 2-0 in a three-match ODI series and will be gunning to replicate a similar result. On the other hand, the Irish side will be razor focused in securing a qualification for the ODI World Cup which will be played in India in October.