2023 World Cup, SA could miss direct qualification: Here's why
South Africa will skip their ODI leg of the Australia tour that was scheduled to be played in January next year. As per Cricbuzz, the SA cricket board has agreed to concede the points from the three-match series that was a part of the ICC ODI Super League. The decision could hamper SA's chances of directly qualifying for the 2023 World Cup in India.
Why does this story matter?
As per the format of the ICC ODI Super League, the top eight teams will qualify directly for the World Cup as of the cut-off date (May 2023). Meanwhile, the remaining five teams would have to compete in a qualifying tournament, including five other Associate teams, for the final two spots. After skipping the ODI series, the Proteas might not make the top eight.
ICC ODI Super League: SA occupy the 11th spot
South Africa occupy the 11th spot in the ICC ODI Super League. They have just four wins from 13 matches (49 points). Moreover, SA won't play the three ODIs in Australia. A look at the top 10 teams - England (125), Bangladesh (120), Afghanistan (100), Pakistan (90), New Zealand (80), West Indies (80), India (79), Australia (70), Ireland (68), Sri Lanka (62).
CSA had urged CA to push the series
In June, Cricket South Africa had urged CA to postpone the ODI series after the announcement of their upcoming T20 league. Notably, the ODI series and the T20 league were scheduled to take place in January. However, CA could not find any other window for the ODIs due to the packed international calendar. As a result, Australia have been awarded the competition points.
How have South Africa fared in ODIs lately?
South Africa have won just two ODI series since the conclusion of the 2019 ODI World Cup. They beat Australia 3-0 in February 2020 and then routed India 3-0 in January 2022. In this period, SA lost 1-2 to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, respectively. Overall, they have won 11 of 22 ODIs in the last three years (lost eight, NR: 3).
South Africa in World Cups
South Africa have never gone past the semi-finals in the 50-over World Cup. They have lost the WC semis on four occasions (1992, 1999, 2007, and 2015) and the quarter-finals two times (1996 and 2011). Considering SA's poor record in the knockout stage, cricket pundits termed the Proteas as 'Chokers'. And now, their qualification for the 2023 WC hangs in balance.
