Qualifying Battle For World Cup Begins

- Parth Dhall

While, the inability to qualify for the Champions Trophy has already dented the plight of West Indies cricket, another massive challenge awaits the Caribbeans. Currently ranked No.9 by the ICC, West Indies will have to climb at least 1 spot up before the 30 September deadline to be able to qualify directly for the ICC World Cup 2019. Top 8 sides will qualify for the mega event after the cut-off date, while the bottom four would have to compete in the 10-team ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.

West Indies lost two rating points after having been cleaned up in their own backyard by England this year, which surged the gap between West Indies and Pakistan (ranked 8th) further by five points. West Indies would play host to Pakistan in a 3-match ODI series that could well turn out to be a deciding factor. A 2-1 series victory would be enough for Pakistan to upraise. Paradoxically, if Pakistan loose, this would be their last chance of redemption before the qualifying date. Perhaps, a lot would depend on the ODI series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh commencing on 25 March. If Sri Lanka win the series, 7th ranked Bangladesh would lose the spot, only to be replaced by Pakistan. While, West Indies have an ODI series slated in England before the cut-off date.