Afghanistan Beat Ireland to Confirm 2027 ODI World Cup Qualification

Afghanistan have secured direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in their five-match series against Ireland with a tense three-wicket win in the third ODI at Stormont, Belfast.

Chasing a target set up by their bowlers, Afghanistan looked comfortable early on the back of Rahmanullah Gurbaz's fluent 71, reaching 97 for 2. But Irish leg-spinner Gavin Hoey triggered a dramatic middle-order collapse, ripping through the innings with figures of 4 for 34 as Afghanistan slumped from 154 for 6 to 176 for 7. With the target still 31 runs away, Rashid Khan held his nerve, finishing unbeaten on 37 to guide his side home with 31 balls to spare. Rashid also picked up 3 for 44 with the ball earlier in the day.

The opening match of the series had been washed out without a ball bowled, before Afghanistan won the second ODI by 92 runs to take a 1-0 lead. This latest win makes the series scoreline 2-0 and unassailable, officially confirming their spot at the 2027 World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Afghanistan become the ninth team to secure direct qualification, joining India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the Netherlands. Ireland, meanwhile, must now navigate the qualifying pathway — via the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 and Qualifier — for a chance to reach the tournament.