Afghanistan secure 2027 World Cup qualification after win over Ireland

BELFAST: Afghanistan secured automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup after defeating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Monday.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz starred with the bat, scoring a fluent 71, while Rashid Khan produced an impressive all-round performance to guide Afghanistan home and give them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Ireland, after being asked to bat first, were bowled out for 206 with 3.3 overs remaining.

Rashid Khan claimed three wickets for 44 runs, while A.M. Ghazanfar also took three for 29.

Ireland slipped to 128-8 before Gavin Hoey and Jai Moondra revived the innings with a 76-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Hoey made 36, while Moondra contributed 31.

Afghanistan began their chase steadily, but lost Ibrahim Zadran for 12 with the score on 53. Sediqullah Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi added useful contributions before Gurbaz took charge.

The opener smashed five sixes and two fours during his 71 before being caught by Mark Adair off Hoey.

Ireland briefly threatened a comeback when Adair dismissed Azmatullah Omarzai to reduce Afghanistan to 176-7. However, Rashid Khan held his nerve, remaining unbeaten on 37 to complete the chase with Afghanistan finishing on 207-7.

The victory confirmed Afghanistan’s place among the top eight teams eligible for direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup. They join Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and Bangladesh, while the West Indies, currently ranked 10th, will have to go through the qualification route.

The West Indies cannot climb into the automatic qualification places before the September 30 cut-off despite having two ODIs against India remaining.

Under the new 2027 World Cup qualification

format, the qualifier winner will advance directly to the second stage of the tournament, while the teams finishing second, third and fourth will enter the first round, known as the Super Series.

Afghanistan and Ireland will meet again in Belfast on Wednesday for the fourth ODI of the series.