Afghanistan wins direct qualification for 2027 Cricket World Cup after defeating Ireland

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Kabul: The Afghan national cricket team secured its direct qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup with a decisive victory over Ireland in Belfast and secured a direct qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

 

According to AVA News Agency, citing Reuters and international media, Afghanistan won the third match of the five-match ODI series against Ireland and secured a direct qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup by securing its place among the top eight teams in the rankings.

 

Afghanistan's crucial victory over Ireland

In this match, which was held at the "Servais" stadium in Belfast, the Irish team initially scored 206 runs in 46.3 overs, losing all its wickets.

 

The Afghan national team also reached the set target in 44.5 overs and won the match.

 

In a situation where Afghanistan had lost seven wickets, Rashid Khan, the team captain, paved the way for Afghanistan's victory with his brilliant performance and cooperation with Yamin Ahmadzai.

 

Rashid Khan took three wickets in this match and scored 37 runs without defeat and was selected as the best player of the field.

 

Afghanistan among the world's top powers

With this victory, Afghanistan, along with teams such as Australia, the previous champion, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and Bangladesh, obtained a direct qualification for the main stage of the 2027 World Cup.

 

The teams of South Africa and Zimbabwe have also automatically qualified for the main stage due to their co-hosting of the competition.

 

In contrast, the West Indies, two-time World Cup champions, failed to qualify directly for the third consecutive time and will have to go through the qualifiers.

 

Afghanistan's fourth consecutive appearance in the World Cup

Afghanistan is currently ranked eighth in the world one-day rankings and, if it maintains this position until the specified date, will retain its direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

 

This success also paves the way for Afghanistan to participate in the Cricket World Cup for the fourth time in a row; an achievement that reflects the team's growing position in international cricket.