The first ODI of the three-match series between Ireland and Bangladesh was called off due to rain. With this, South Africa have booked a place in the upcoming World Cup.
In order to secure the final automatic qualifying spot for the World Cup through the ICC ODI Super League, the Irish team needed to win all three matches in the series, which could have displaced the Proteas.
However, due to rain interrupting their innings in response to Bangladesh’s score of 246-9, Ireland will now have to go through the final qualifying stage in June and July.
The match, which took place at The County Ground in Chelmsford, saw Ireland reach 65-3 after 16.3 overs before rain arrived at the venue.
In the match where Ireland chose to field first, Mushfiqur Rahim emerged as Bangladesh’s top scorer with a well-played 61 runs off 70 deliveries, achieving his 44th ODI half-century. Despite favourable batting conditions, Bangladesh struggled to maintain stability as wickets fell at regular intervals. Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 44 runs, while Towhid Hridoy played a quickfire inning of 27 runs off just 31 balls. Among the Irish bowlers, Josh Little stood out with impressive figures of 3-61.
Ireland’s pursuit of the target got off to a poor start, with the crucial wickets of Paul Stirling (15) and captain Andy Balbirnie (5) falling within the first ten balls of the fifth over. At that point, Harry Tector remained unbeaten on 21 runs, accompanied by Lorcan Tucker, who had just joined him in the middle and was yet to score. The match was interrupted by the covers being brought on, and Ireland needed to complete a minimum of 20 overs to achieve a result.
It is worth mentioning that Bangladesh have already secured an automatic qualifying spot for the upcoming Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India in October and November.
