Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI: The changes to the ICC World Cup 2027 format have sparked considerable uproar, with some associate nations raising their voices against it. Amidst all this, the struggle for qualification continues. The Afghanistan cricket team, engaged in this struggle, found success, winning the third ODI against Ireland and directly qualifying for the World Cup. Star all-rounder Rashid Khan, this time, scripted the victory with both the bat and the ball.
Irish batting fails again
Played in Belfast on Monday, August 10th, Afghanistan’s goal was to secure a World Cup berth with a win. From the outset, the team was considered a favorite. Ireland had already been eliminated. However, Afghanistan needed to win this match to qualify. Their bowlers ensured this by restricting Ireland to a low total.
The hosts, Ireland’s batsmen, failed once again, collapsing for a paltry 206. The spin duo of Rashid Khan and Allah Ghazanfar wreaked havoc, losing eight wickets for just 128 runs. However, Gavin Hoey, who came in at number nine, and Jay Mundhra, who came in at number ten, steadied the situation, forging a strong 72-run partnership. The innings collapsed as soon as this partnership was broken.
Rashid also led the team to victory with his batting.
Rashid, who secured victory in the previous match by taking six wickets, also delivered with the ball. However, his most significant contribution this time came with the bat, leading Afghanistan to victory. Star opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz once again performed brilliantly for the team, scoring 71 runs. However, other batsmen failed. After batting, Gavin Hoey performed brilliantly with his bowling, taking four wickets.
Afghanistan had lost 7 wickets for 176 runs, and it seemed that Ireland would win this time. But Rashid Khan prevented that from happening. He was supported by number 9 batsman Yamin Ahmadzai, who scored only 4 runs but faced 26 balls and stayed until the end. Rashid, using this as a sensible batting instrument, scored an unbeaten 37 to lead the team to victory.