NEW DELHI: Afghanistan secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after beating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Monday. The win also gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.Afghanistan bowled Ireland out for 206 in 46.3 overs before chasing down the target in 44.5 overs. The win was set up by a strong bowling effort and a calm finish from Rashid Khan.Afghanistan entered the third ODI knowing that a win would be enough to seal their place in the 2027 ODI World Cup. They had already beaten Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI, while the opening match of the five-match series was washed out.

Rashid, Ahmadzai take Afghanistan home

Afghanistan looked in control at 97 for two during the chase but lost five wickets for 79 runs to slip to 176 for seven.Rashid then stepped up when his team needed him most. He remained unbeaten on 37 off 43 balls, hitting four boundaries, while Yamin Ahmadzai stayed not out on four off 26 balls.The pair held their nerve to take Afghanistan across the finish line without any further damage.Rashid was named Player of the Match for his crucial contribution.

Afghanistan secure World Cup spot

Afghanistan, currently ranked No. 8 in ODIs, have now secured direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.This will be Afghanistan’s fourth appearance in an ODI World Cup.

Rahmat Shah praises bowling effort

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah credited his bowlers for sticking to their plans and adapting quickly to the conditions.“Thank you. It was a low-scoring match, always tough. Finally, we won the match.”On Afghanistan’s bowling performance, he said: “Yeah, I give them the plans according to the field, according to the situation, and they read very well, especially Yamin Ahmadzai bowled really well, Rashid and Ghanzafar, they bowled really well too. They bowled according to the field, and especially they assessed the conditions early.”Rahmat said Afghanistan’s chase was challenging because of the low-scoring nature of the game.“Of course, yes, because always a low-scoring match is very tough, and finally we won the match.”He also pointed out the ninth-wicket partnership that helped Ireland post a competitive total and said Afghanistan would look to break such partnerships earlier in future.“I think the ninth-wicket partnership, Ireland did very well. Inshallah, we try to break these partnerships early if we are in a good situation on that time. Inshallah, we will try our best.”