Head Coach Stuart Law Unsure of West Indies’ Automatic World Cup Qualification

Dec 31, 2018 at 1:56 PM

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Head Coach Stuart Law Unsure of West Indies’ Automatic World Cup Qualification

West Indies’ quest for a direct qualification in the 2019 World Cup suffered a blow after the final game of the three-match series against Afghanistan was washed out due to bad weather. The series ended in a 1-1 tie. The opening game was comprehensively won by the visitors Afghanistan before the hosts made a good comeback by winning the second fixture to level the series.

The deciding match, unfortunately, was washed out by rain. The possibilities of the match getting underway were very slim, as the rain had an overnight presence at the venue and remained persistent through the day.

The downpour only allowed the toss to be done, two hours after schedule. Asghar Stanikzai won the flip of the coin and opted to bat but the drizzles once again appeared and the ground staff had to cover the square again.

The washout will have a great effect on the rankings. West Indies, at the moment, seem to fight against its fate, as their chances of climbing up in the ranking seem to be getting on tougher.

West Indies coach Stuart Law was unsure whether the team would gain an automatic qualification or not. But, at the same time, he also stated that the team will be focussed on current and upcoming matches.

“But we can’t be focussed on that,” Law said. “We have to be up for this contest, and then the next series against India. If we can win a couple of games, and then a couple against England, I’m sure we can climb the ladder. Whether or not we get direct entry into the World Cup, I’m not sure.”

According to the guidelines, only the top eight sides will be eligible for the marquee 50-over tournament set to be hosted in England. The lock-down period for the rankings criteria is on September 30.

Things have become trickier for the Windies with the stellar show of Bangladesh in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2017. Pakistan has also secured a spot in the final.

These two teams, ranked 7th and 8th, respectively, were the most likely competitors for the No. 9 ranked West Indies. However, with the super performances in the Champions Trophy, the two Asian teams will likely retain their places. If West Indies don’t make the cut must then they will have to participate in a qualifying tournament in April 2018 where 10 contenders, including two Associate nations – Ireland and Afghanistan – will fight for two spots.

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