To have a chance at claiming the final automatic qualifying place for the World Cup, replacing South Africa, Ireland had to emerge victorious in all three matches of the series. Unfortunately, the first one-day international between Bangladesh and Ireland ended in no result due to rain, which confirmed South Africa's spot in this year's Cricket World Cup. Instead of securing automatic qualification via the ICC ODI Super League at the expense of the Proteas, the Irish will now have to go through final qualifying in June and July. Their reply to Bangladesh's score of 246/9 was interrupted by rain when Ireland reached 65/3 after 16.3 overs at The County Ground in Chelmsford, home to the English county team Essex.

Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim showcased an impressive performance, scoring 61 runs off 70 balls, marking his 44th ODI half-century. After Ireland was electedx to bowl, the conditions seemed favorable for batting. Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 44 runs, while Towhid Hridoy scored a quick 27 off 31 balls. Ireland managed to take wickets at regular intervals, with Josh Little being the most successful bowler, claiming figures of 3-61. However, Ireland's batting reply got off to a shaky start, losing the wickets of Paul Stirling (15) and captain Andy Balbirnie (5) within 10 balls by the end of the fifth over. At the time the rain arrived around 4.45 p.m. local time, Harry Tector was unbeaten on 21, accompanied by Lorcan Tucker (2).

For a result to be determined, Ireland needed to bat for at least 20 overs. Bangladesh had already secured an automatic qualifying berth for the Cricket World Cup scheduled to take place in India during October and November.