The first of three one-day international matches between Bangladesh and Ireland ended without a result after play was abandoned due to rain, confirming South Africa’s spot at this year’s Cricket World Cup.
Irish players during their ODI vs Bangladesh(@cricketireland)
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Ireland needed to win all three games of the series to earn their final automatic World Cup qualifier via the ICC ODI Super League, at the expense of the Proteas.
Instead, the Irish face final qualifying in June and July after rain interrupted their response to Bangladesh’s 246/9 on Tuesday.
Ireland were 65/3 after 16.3 overs when it rained at around 4.45pm local time at the County Ground in Chelmsford, home of England County team Essex.
Mushfiqur Rahim scored the highest in his 44th ODI half-century with 61 balls from 70 after Bangladesh were batted by Ireland in what appeared to be decent batting conditions.
Najmul Hossain Shanto added 44 and Towhid Hridoy hit a 31-ball 27 as Bangladesh dropped wickets on a regular basis, with Josh Little having the best bowling numbers at 3-61.
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Ireland got off to a poor start in response, losing the wickets of Paul Stirling (15) and captain Andy Balbirnie (5) within 10 balls by the end of the fifth over.
Harry Tector was 21 and was supported in the middle by Lorcan Tucker (2) when the covers emerged.
Ireland had to bat 20 overs or more for a score.
Bangladesh has already been assured of an automatic qualifier for the Cricket World Cup, to be held in India in October and November.
