Afghanistan earn direct qualification for 2027 ODI World Cup with win over Ireland in 3rd ODI

Belfast: Afghanistan secured a direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after beating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI here on Monday.

After producing a fine bowling performance to bowl Ireland out for a mere 206 in 46.3 overs, Afghanistan slipped from 97 for two to 176 for seven at one stage in their chase.


But Rashid Khan hit an unbeaten 37 (43 balls, 4 fours) in the company of a dependable Yamin Ahmadzai (4 not out off 26 balls) to take Afghanistan over the line in 44.5 overs.

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Afghanistan, who are currently ranked No. 8, thus secured direct qualification for next year's 50-over World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The Afghans, who had entered this contest needing only a win to secure World Cup qualification, had beaten Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI. The first ODI of the five-match series was washed out.

It will be Afghanistan's fourth appearance in an ODI World Cup.