ODI Super League: India thrashed South Africa by seven wickets in the third ODI in Delhi on Monday. This win has helped Men in Blue win the three-match ODI series 2-1 while the Proteas have lost a chance to grab 10 points in the ODI Super League table. This loss has further dented South Africa’s chance to qualify directly for World Cup 2023 in India. Follow India vs South Africa live updates with InsideSport.IN
The blame for their loss in the third ODI goes to the batters. They just scored 99 on Monday, which happens to be the second time that South Africa have been bundled out for less than 100 in 2022.
ODI Super League: South Africa all SET for World Cup qualifiers as Proteas lose crucial points after loss in third ODI vs India, Check if SA can still qualify for ODI WC
In fact, it is their fourth lowest team total ever in the ODIs, which does not augur well. It is their lowest score against India as well. The previous lowest was 117 in Nairobi 13 years ago. Barring Henrich Klaasen, none of the batters failed to score above 20 runs. Klassen top-scored with 34 while the seven of the players were dismissed for single digit scores. Leggie Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowler for India, scalping an impressive four wickets in the innings. India reached the target in the 20th over.
With this performance, South Africa have been dealt a serious blow. They could only manage 10 points from their win in the first ODI from the series. South Africa have been quite poor in the ODIs ever since the Super League was adopted from 2020. The Proteas have played 16 matches so far, and have lost nine times.
.@imkuldeep18 put on a superb show with the ball & was #TeamIndia‘s top performer from the first innings of the third #INDvSA ODI. 👌 👌
A summary of his bowling performance 🔽 pic.twitter.com/ONa6JYzEUi
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 11, 2022
South Africa are currently in a precarious 11th position on the table. The qualification period ends in June next year. Only the top seven teams and the host (India) get an automatic spot in the World Cup.
Can South Africa make it to the World Cup in India?
South Africa have themselves to blame if they fail to make the cut directly. South Africa had called off their scheduled series against Australia, which has made matters worse. It means, Australia will be awarded 30 points. Had they played the series and won all the three matches, the equation could have been much better.
As it stands, they have three matches against England early next year, meaning 30 points on offer. They also play Netherlands twice. At present, South Africa have 59 points, while West Indies (88), Sri Lanka (62) and Ireland (68) are above them.
When the qualification cycle ends, and if South Africa fail to finish in the top 8, they will battle it out in the qualifier’s tournament in Zimbabwe next year. The five teams from number 9-13 will feature in the tournament to determine the two remaining slots for World Cup in India.
ODI Super League: South Africa all SET for World Cup qualifiers as Proteas lose crucial points after loss in third ODI vs India, Check if SA can still qualify for ODI WC
