The Proteas qualified directly for the 2023 World Cup after the first ODI between Ireland and Bangladesh in Chelmsford was cut short by rain.

Ireland had to win the three-match series 3-0 and boost their net run rate to finish above eighth-placed South Africa in the World Cup Super League standings.

The Irish were 65-3 in the 17th over, chasing Bangladesh’s 246-9, made from a full 50 overs, when bad light and rain halted play.

A minimum of 20 overs had to be bowled in Ireland’s innings for a result to be declared under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method for rain-affected matches.

But the fixture was called off when the umpires deemed conditions too wet to restart play.

The no-result means that Ireland – and not the Proteas – will take part in a 10-team World Cup Qualifier series in Zimbabwe in June and July that includes the West Indies and Sri Lanka.

ALSO: Rate ChatGPT’s Greatest SA Cricketers XI

Josh Little – fresh from starring in the IPL – led Ireland’s attack with 3-61, with two wickets apiece for Graham Hume and Mark Adair as Bangladesh were restricted to a seemingly modest total on a good pitch.

Mushfiqur Rahim celebrated his 36th birthday by top-scoring for the Tigers with 61 in front of a crowd of some 3,000 at Chelmsford, mainly consisting of Bangladesh fans.

Najmul Hossain Shanto made 44.

Ireland, however, soon found themselves in trouble at 27-2 following the loss of experienced opener Paul Stirling and captain Andrew Balbirnie.

The series continues on Friday.