West Indies to play third consecutive qualifier to secure ODI World Cup berth

West Indies' steep decline in the ODI format is palpable as they brace themselves to play their third successive qualifier to earn a place in the ODI World Cup. Afghanistan's three-wicket win over Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on August 10 acted as a punch in the gut for Windies, dashing their hopes of securing a direct spot in the marquee tournament to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Notably, the top eight teams in the ICC Men's ODI Team rankings as of September 30, minus two of the hosts, i.e. South Africa and Zimbabwe, will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup. Afghanistan, defending champions Australia, India, Pakistan, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa and Zimbabwe have ensured direct qualification for the showpiece event.

The two-time ODI World Cup champions (1975, 1979) Windies have two more ODIs left to play before the cut-off date (September 30). However, even two wins wouldn't change their fortunes. They have to enter the Qualifier, slated to be held in February next year, to earn themselves an opportunity to win their third World Cup title.

Windies failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India after losing to Scotland in the Super Six stage of the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Consequently, they also missed qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The top seven teams at the end of the round-robin format at the 2023 ODI World Cup, along with the hosts, were to qualify directly for the Champions Trophy. 

Since Windies never qualified for the World Cup in 2023, they didn't stand a chance to make it to the Champions Trophy. Sri Lanka also missed their ticket to the Champions Trophy after a ninth-place finish at the World Cup with two wins and seven losses.

The winner of the World Cup Qualifier will earn a direct entry into Round 2 of the World Cup comprising 12 teams, divided into two groups of six each. The teams finishing second, third and fourth in the World Cup Qualifier will play a Super Series round. The team with the most points in that round will advance to Round 2, while the remaining two sides will be eliminated. The revamped structure of the World Cup has enraged the Associate members.