IRE vs AFG: Afghanistan qualify for World Cup 2027 with three-wicket win in 3rd ODI

Afghanistan sealed their spot in the ICC men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 with a three-wicket victory in the third ODI against Ireland on Monday, August 10, at Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast. It was once again Rashid Khan who emerged as the hero for the Afghans through his all-round performance, which ensured his team’s fourth successive World Cup qualification.

Chasing a target of 207, Afghanistan were in a bit of trouble, being reduced to 176/7 after 35.4 overs, courtesy of a terrific spell from Gavin Hoey (4/34). However, Rashid Khan’s (37* off 43) calming presence at the crease alongside some support from Yamin Ahmadzai (4* off 26) took their team over the line.

Earlier, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (71 off 77) got Afghanistan’s chase off to a perfect start, adding 53 runs for the first wicket alongside Ibrahim Zadran (12 off 23). He brought up his half-century off 49 deliveries and seemed determined to take his team home, until getting holed out at extra cover against Hoey.

In the first innings, Ireland lost Andrew Balbirnie (7 off 17) early before captain Paul Stirling (23 off 31) and Cade Carmichael (32 off 52) stabilised the innings with their 44-run stand for the second wicket. However, Yamin Ahmadzai (2/35, 9 overs) sent Stirling on his way back to the pavilion to break their stand.

Following his dismissal, Rashid Khan (3/44) and AM Ghazanfar (3/29, 9 overs) spun a web around the Irish batters, triggering a collapse which left them reeling at 128/8 after 29.4 overs.

West Indies miss direct qualification to World Cup

With Ireland staring down the barrel, a herculean effort from Jai Moondra (31 off 33) and Gavin Hoey (36 off 67), who stitched a 76-run stand for the ninth wicket off 97 balls, helped Ireland cross the 200-run mark, and they got all out for 206 in 46.3 overs.

Meanwhile, Rashid Khan was adjudged Player of the Match for the second successive time in the series as Afghanistan took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Their victory also meant that West Indies will once again have to go through the qualifiers to avoid missing the ODI World Cup for a second successive edition.

Afghanistan now joins South Africa, co-hosts Zimbabwe, India, Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan in securing a place in the Super 12 stage of the revised 2027 ODI World Cup format.