Afghanistan secured their place in the 2027 ODI World Cup in Southern Africa after a thrilling three-wicket victory over Ireland, with star player Rashid Khan delivering crucial performances both with bat and ball.
Afghanistan booked their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance following a tense encounter against Ireland in Belfast. The Afghan team successfully chased down Ireland's total of 206, reaching 207 for 7 in 44.5 overs to clinch a dramatic victory.
Rashid Khan proved instrumental in the chase, contributing both with the bat and ball. Earlier in the day, his aggressive leg-spin bowling combined with AM Ghazanfar's mystery spin disrupted Ireland's batting momentum. Khan claimed 3 for 44 across his spell, while Ghazanfar took 3 for 29. When Afghanistan's innings teetered at precarious positions, Khan steadied the ship with an unbeaten 37 runs, including the match-winning runs off Harry Tector in the 45th over.
Ireland mounted a spirited fightback through their lower middle order. Gavin Hoey produced a standout performance, taking 4 for 34 and also top-scoring with 36 runs. His wicket-taking spell through the middle overs, supported by seamer Mark Adair, reduced Afghanistan to 154 for 6 at one stage. A ninth-wicket partnership of 76 runs between Hoey and Jai Moondra proved crucial in taking Ireland closer, with Moondra contributing 31 runs in his second ODI innings. Despite these efforts, Ireland ran out of steam as their bowling attack became exhausted.
On Afghanistan's side, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the charge with 71 runs before succumbing to Hoey's bowling. The Afghan middle order faltered momentarily, but Rashid's composed batting and Yamin Ahmadzai's unbeaten contribution of 4 runs sealed the contest. Afghanistan's qualification extends their participation in the premier 50-over tournament to four consecutive editions.
