South Africa have been deducted one point for their slow over rate in the third ODI against England, meaning a clean sweep for Ireland against Bangladesh in May could mean automatic World Cup qualification.

There is one slot still to be confirmed, with South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland vying for the golden ticket to India in the autumn.

South Africa (78pts) forfeited their series in Australia, meaning they have two matches remaining against Netherlands next month, where two wins would take them to 98 points.

Sri Lanka (77 pts) have three games remaining in New Zealand, but it would take a clean sweep for them to have a realistic chance of direct qualification - a tall order.

Ireland (68pts) remaining three matches are home to already qualified Bangladesh in May. It's being rumoured (and seemingly now confirmed by Cricinfo) that the Irish are willing to forego home advantage and playing the games in England.

The reasons cited are the statistical probability of better weather - any wash-out would scupper Irish hopes - availabilty of three pitches in the second week of May, and the financial cost of hosting matches.

Ireland played two T20I's against South Africa in Bristol last year, but the very poor crowds meant a hoped for cash boost turned into a significant loss for the then (and now) cash strapped governing body.

It's a huge gamble for such a lucrative prize on offer. Bangladesh would likely have a sizeable support in England, where unless the games are played in a location with significant Irish heritage, then they would outnumber the 'home' support considerably. Chelmsford wouldn't fit into that category!

Ireland would by that stage know just how much they would need to win the games by in order to leapfrog South Africa on NRR - assuming as expected they win their matches against a weakened Netherlands.

Seven teams (India, England, New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan) are already qualified.

Who will join them?