The Proteas lost the match in Kimberly by 59-runs resulting in the national side only earning 20-points from the three-match series, as opposed to the more ideal 30-points.

This meant that the Proteas will have to beat the Netherlands 2-0 in the upcoming ODI series against the Dutch in South Africa, while they would also need out results to go in their favour.

Because of the slow over rate at the Diamond Oval, South Africa was docked a point by the ICC and this makes it more challenging to earn automatic qualification.

The match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the sanction, after finding that South Africa to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. South Africa were also fined 20% of their match fee for the offence.

The Proteas are currently ninth in the ODI Super League with 78 points. Before the sanction they had 79 points.

The top-eight Super League teams automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the bottom five teams will have to play the Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament along with five Associate teams. Two teams from that qualifier will then progress to the World Cup and complete the line-up of ten contenders.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport