Belfast: Afghanistan secured a direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after beating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI here on Monday.
After producing a fine bowling performance to bowl Ireland out for a mere 206 in 46.3 overs, Afghanistan slipped from 97 for two to 176 for seven at one stage in their chase.
But Rashid Khan hit an unbeaten 37 (43 balls, 4 fours) in the company of a dependable Yamin Ahmadzai (4 not out off 26 balls) to take Afghanistan over the line in 44.5 overs.
Afghanistan, who are currently ranked No. 8, thus secured direct qualification for next year's 50-over World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The Afghans, who had entered this contest needing only a win to secure World Cup qualification, had beaten Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI. The first ODI of the five-match series was washed out.
It will be Afghanistan's fourth appearance in an ODI World Cup.
