A couple of points about who might or might not be playing in the WC qualifiers:
It's by no means assured that ANY of SA, WI and Sri Lanka will avoid having to play in that tournament...although SA are fairly likely not to have to. But even if SA win both games against the Netherlands, Ireland (not sure why they haven't even been mentioned) could pip them to the post if they whitewash Bangladesh in May and keep their net run rate above SA's. (at the moment, it's almost identical, Ireland's being fractionally better). If they drop a game, SA will be OK with one win and one tie/abandonment this weekend--but of course they won't know that!
Namibia, meanwhile, are no longer certainties to be in the qualifiers at all (it hasn't been possible for a few weeks now that both Nepal and Namibia could get direct entry to them). Nepal are in, along with Oman and Scotland, but Namibia have to finish in the top two of the pre-qualifying competition currently in progress--and they were hammered in their first match, albeit by one of the best other teams. But if they lose to the UAE it's going to be looking pretty dicey for them.
Dave, many apologies for my failure to apologise at the time - you were quite right, of course, and I appreciated your feedback! Ireland could still get in to the WC ahead of SA but they're going to have to beat Bangladesh 3-0, with some pretty resounding margins. Not impossible as the series is taking place in Chelmsford which should suit Ireland a lot more than Bangladesh. But it's extremely unlikely. I was shocked (and disappointed) that Namibia failed to reach the pre-qualifier but, at least it shows the improving standards in some of the other smaller nations. I suppose...
Yes, Namibia must be gutted, having gone from looking like they would get into the qualifiers automatically to not getting in at all within the space of three or four weeks. I feel for them.
Of the teams that have got in instead of them from the pre-qualifiers, the UAE have generally been there or thereabouts, and the USA really should have been, given the huge potential player base of South Asian Americans there. I suspect that they could be the lurking power in associate cricket if they can ever get their chronic administration issues sorted out...
I think it also shows how close the mid-table positions in WCL1 were: I think only five points separated Nepal, Namibia, UAE and USA after 36 games each--so really any combination of them could have qualified for Zimbabwe.
Thanks for the "end-of-term" photos. I am glad that you explained where they were taken as, for a fleeting moment, I thought that they were Dunedin NZ. My favourite town. Sigh.....
This is from my end-of-weekend mood after watching SA rugby.
Great piece as always Manners! I am afraid I have never visited Klerksdorp before in my 48 years on the planet, and based on your photos, they do not inspire me to consider doing so either in my remaining years! The images are of a run-down place with aged infrastructure, and weeds growing as tall as the dustbins on the pavements. On the cricketing front, it has been good to see a bit of oomph from the Proteas. I wonder how much has been the change in coaching staff and some fresh players keen to impress or just simply that West Indies look out of their depth on the international circuit?
Kevin, you need have no regrets if your days on earth come to an end without a visit to Klerksdorp. And yes, it is clear to me that Rob Walter and Shukri Conrad are both driven, dedicated coaches with a clear vision for the future and equally clear view of the pathway to get there. Breath of fresh air.
Are we looking at a future where England and Australia continue to play the Ashes in a Test 'vaccuum' visited only by India from time-to-time while the rest play a few exhibition Tests each year. Big Bucks T20 tournaments in Riyadh, Dubai and the IPL spanning three months per year. With the SA20 as a popular 'feeder' tournament...?
A couple of points about who might or might not be playing in the WC qualifiers:
It's by no means assured that ANY of SA, WI and Sri Lanka will avoid having to play in that tournament...although SA are fairly likely not to have to. But even if SA win both games against the Netherlands, Ireland (not sure why they haven't even been mentioned) could pip them to the post if they whitewash Bangladesh in May and keep their net run rate above SA's. (at the moment, it's almost identical, Ireland's being fractionally better). If they drop a game, SA will be OK with one win and one tie/abandonment this weekend--but of course they won't know that!
Namibia, meanwhile, are no longer certainties to be in the qualifiers at all (it hasn't been possible for a few weeks now that both Nepal and Namibia could get direct entry to them). Nepal are in, along with Oman and Scotland, but Namibia have to finish in the top two of the pre-qualifying competition currently in progress--and they were hammered in their first match, albeit by one of the best other teams. But if they lose to the UAE it's going to be looking pretty dicey for them.
Dave, many apologies for my failure to apologise at the time - you were quite right, of course, and I appreciated your feedback! Ireland could still get in to the WC ahead of SA but they're going to have to beat Bangladesh 3-0, with some pretty resounding margins. Not impossible as the series is taking place in Chelmsford which should suit Ireland a lot more than Bangladesh. But it's extremely unlikely. I was shocked (and disappointed) that Namibia failed to reach the pre-qualifier but, at least it shows the improving standards in some of the other smaller nations. I suppose...
Yes, Namibia must be gutted, having gone from looking like they would get into the qualifiers automatically to not getting in at all within the space of three or four weeks. I feel for them.
Of the teams that have got in instead of them from the pre-qualifiers, the UAE have generally been there or thereabouts, and the USA really should have been, given the huge potential player base of South Asian Americans there. I suspect that they could be the lurking power in associate cricket if they can ever get their chronic administration issues sorted out...
I think it also shows how close the mid-table positions in WCL1 were: I think only five points separated Nepal, Namibia, UAE and USA after 36 games each--so really any combination of them could have qualified for Zimbabwe.
Good stuff Manners. I hear Sri Lanka are 1 down v NZ...
Thanks for the "end-of-term" photos. I am glad that you explained where they were taken as, for a fleeting moment, I thought that they were Dunedin NZ. My favourite town. Sigh.....
This is from my end-of-weekend mood after watching SA rugby.
I suspect that Klerksdorp would be intensely flattered to be compared to Dunedin! :)
Great piece as always Manners! I am afraid I have never visited Klerksdorp before in my 48 years on the planet, and based on your photos, they do not inspire me to consider doing so either in my remaining years! The images are of a run-down place with aged infrastructure, and weeds growing as tall as the dustbins on the pavements. On the cricketing front, it has been good to see a bit of oomph from the Proteas. I wonder how much has been the change in coaching staff and some fresh players keen to impress or just simply that West Indies look out of their depth on the international circuit?
Kevin, you need have no regrets if your days on earth come to an end without a visit to Klerksdorp. And yes, it is clear to me that Rob Walter and Shukri Conrad are both driven, dedicated coaches with a clear vision for the future and equally clear view of the pathway to get there. Breath of fresh air.
Test cricket sadly on slide whatever is done $$ b4 cap no doubt …. Wen u moving to Klerksdorp …..😂😂
Are we looking at a future where England and Australia continue to play the Ashes in a Test 'vaccuum' visited only by India from time-to-time while the rest play a few exhibition Tests each year. Big Bucks T20 tournaments in Riyadh, Dubai and the IPL spanning three months per year. With the SA20 as a popular 'feeder' tournament...?
Add Miami Bermuda to your T 20 worldwide list spanning the whole year with Bbl Pak Bang & WI as well as SA being the feeder…