Afghanistan Seal 2027 World Cup Qualification With Win Over Ireland in 3rd ODI

Afghanistan took an unassailable lead in the ODI series against Ireland with another comfortable win, chasing down the target for the loss of seven wickets in the third game at Stormont on Monday.

The win was even more important as it booked Afghanistan a direct place in the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Despite a hiccup in the closing stages, Rashid Khan held his nerves to take the team over the line, scoring unbeaten 37 off 43 balls with the help of four boundaries.

Ireland struggled with the bat after being asked to go first, as Afghanistan bowled them out for 206 in 46.3 overs. The Afghan spinners kept the Irish batters under pressure throughout the innings.

AM Ghazanfar and Rashid Khan were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each. Yamin Ahmadzai also made an impact with two wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai took one each.

Gavin Hoey was Ireland’s highest scorer, making 36 from 67 balls with two fours. Cade Carmichael scored 32 off 52 balls and hit four boundaries.

Jai Moondra showed some fight lower down the order, scoring 31 from 33 balls with five fours. Captain Paul Stirling made 23 off 31 balls, including three boundaries, while Ben Calitz added 20 from 29 deliveries.

Afghanistan made light work of the 207-run chase, getting over the line for the loss of three wickets in 44.5 overs. Their openers gave the team a strong platform at the start of the innings.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran added 50 runs for the first wicket before Ireland managed to break the stand.

Gurbaz led the chase with a superb 71 from 77 balls. His innings included two fours and five sixes.

After a middle order collapse, Rashid Khan stayed unbeaten on 37 from 43 deliveries to take Afghanistan close to the finish. He struck four boundaries, while Sediqullah Atal chipped in with 27 off 25 balls, including five fours.

Hashmatullah Shahidi also made a useful contribution, scoring 22 from 24 balls with one four and a six. After this victory, Afghanistan will aim to win the fourth ODI at Belfast, which will be played at the same venue on August 12.