South Africa qualify for ICC Men's World Cup 2023

South Africa have grabbed the final spot for the 2023 World Cup automatic qualification, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday, May 9.

There were a total of eight spots available for direct qualification for the quadrennial event scheduled to be held in India in the October-November period. The qualifications were based on the standings of the World Cup Super League.

South Africa managed to pip Ireland for the eighth spot after the latter's first ODI against Bangladesh was washed out in Chelmsford on Tuesday night.

Ireland needed a 3-0 victory in their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh to qualify directly for the World Cup, ahead of South Africa.

South Africa's bilateral series win against England (2-1) and the Netherlands (2-0) at home this year and a draw against the West Indies (1-1) helped their qualification cause.

Sri Lanka's 0-2 loss to New Zealand last month also played a helping hand in Temba Bavuma's men making the cut for the marquee event.

Which teams have qualified and who will play the qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup?

India didn't have to bother the World Cup Super League points table as they booked their spot on the virtue of being the tournament hosts.

Nevertheless, the 2011 world champions have 139 points and are currently placed third on the table. Bangladesh could leapfrog India if they win even one of their remaining two matches against Ireland.

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand and Pakistan are the other six teams who have earned a direct spot in the 2023 World Cup.

West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Oman, Nepal, USA and UAE will have to play the Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in June.