South Africa's Historic Sweep Puts India's Direct Qualification For 2021 World Cup In Jeopardy

South Africa women’s team not only ensured their place in the ICC 2021 World Cup but also put the direct qualification of the Indian team in jeopardy after a clean sweep against White Ferns (New Zealand). As there was still no official word regarding India vs Pakistan clash, both teams have to wait to know their qualification process.

The Proteas completed their historic victory by beating New Zealand women’s team by six wickets with 76 balls to spare at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Thursday. Proteas all-rounder Sune Luus led from the front as she became the first player to take two six-wicket hauls in women’s ODI cricket.

With South Africa winning all three ODIs, and hence obtaining all six points on offer in their sixth IWC 2017-20 round has propelled them to the third spot, pipping India.

The Dane van Niekerk-led side has three more matches in hand, against Australia who are the first to seal the position. It means that Proteas will end up on third even if they lose all three games.

As per the current standings, bottom-placed Sri Lanka and the West Indies have already been relegated to the Qualifiers.

On the other hand, New Zealand, who are ranked sixth at present, have three games against Sri Lanka. But, being the hosts, they can take only half of the points, which stays them away from the qualification.

Pakistan might get a direct qualification:

For India, the series against Pakistan is a massive blow. With the BCCI taking a firm stance of not playing against Pakistan – home, away or at a neutral venue, the three games and six points could be considered ‘forfeited by India’ yet again.

In the 2014-16 cycle as well, BCCI had declined PCB’s invitation for the series, eventually leading ICC to award all six points to Pakistan.

If ICC rules in favour of Pakistan, India might once again be pushed into the qualifiers to earn a spot in the grand event. It also means that Pakistan will get a direct qualification. ICC technical committee will have their final say after the conclusion of the championship.

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