South Africa go right into a three-match ODI sequence in opposition to England this week in a precarious place, needing to safe a whitewash if they’re to verify of computerized qualification for this yr’s World Cup.
South Africa are languishing within the World Cup Super League standings and are chasing the final accessible computerized qualifying berth for the event in India later this yr – together with Ireland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
They sit in eleventh place within the standings, having forfeited three ODIs in opposition to Australia this month as a way to make room on the calendar for Cricket South Africa’s new Twenty20 league, however could make 100 per cent certain of qualification in the event that they beat England 3-0 after which win their final two qualifying ODIs in March and April at house to the Netherlands, who’re backside of the 13-team desk.
Any slip up opens the door for one of many different chasing groups to qualify and will power South Africa, who’ve been to 4 semi-finals in eight World Cup appearances, into the ignominy of a having to play in a pre-qualifying event in mid-year.
The West Indies are eighth within the standings however have accomplished their Super League program. Sri Lanka should win two of three ODIs in New Zealand in March to overhaul them whereas Ireland should win all three of their May sequence in opposition to already-qualified Bangladesh if they’re to face any probability of a top-eight end.
If each Ireland and Sri Lanka don’t win all their remaining three video games, then South Africa’s job is made simpler however they nonetheless have to win a minimal of three victories to make sure computerized qualification to the World Cup, which will probably be held in October and November and contains of 10 groups.
The Super League is the principle qualification pathway for the event with the highest seven sides, together with hosts India, gaining direct entry into the event. The different two are determined from the play-off event in Zimbabwe in mid-year.
South Africa go into the sequence in opposition to England with a brand new teaching line-up after Mark Boucher stop following November’s T20 World Cup.
Shukri Conrad, who was named as South Africa’s Test coach earlier this month, will take cost of the ODI squad in opposition to England whereas new white-ball coach, Rob Walter, finishes his commitments with the Central Stags in New Zealand.
