Now Reading: Afghanistan beat Ireland, seal direct spot in 2027 ODI World Cup
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Afghanistan beat Ireland, seal direct spot in 2027 ODI World Cup
Afghanistan secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after a three-wicket win over Ireland in the third ODI in Belfast on Monday. Chasing 207, Afghanistan slipped to 176 for seven…
The Story in Brief
Afghanistan secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after a three-wicket win over Ireland in the third ODI in Belfast on Monday. Chasing 207, Afghanistan slipped to 176 for seven before captain Rashid Khan hit an unbeaten 37 off 43 balls to guide them home in 44.5 overs, PTI reports.
Ireland were earlier bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs. The win gave Afghanistan a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after the first ODI was washed out and the second won by 92 runs. This will be Afghanistan's fourth ODI World Cup appearance.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that associate nations merely make up the numbers in ODI cricket is wearing thin. Afghanistan, ranked No. 8, have now beaten a Full Member in their own conditions to book a World Cup spot on merit. Rashid Khan's all-round performance, six wickets in the second ODI and a cool head with the bat in the third, shows depth, not just flash. The real test will come against top-eight sides in South Africa next year, but for now, the numbers do the talking: 2-0 up in the series, fourth World Cup secured.
Sources (3): rediff.com, sportstar.thehindu.com, rediff.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
