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Afghanistan secured their berth at the 2027 ODI World Cup after beating Ireland by three wickets in Belfast. Chasing 207 in the third ODI, Afghanistan survived a late collapse before Rashid Khan produced a composed finish to take his side over the line. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 37 from 43 balls as Afghanistan reached 207/7 in 44.5 overs.
The result gave Afghanistan a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series and confirmed their direct qualification for the next World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
IRE vs AFG, 3rd ODI: Rashid Khan Holds His Nerve
The Afghanistan national cricket team appeared comfortable at 97/2 during the chase, but Ireland’s Gavin Hoey sparked a dramatic turnaround. The leg-spinner claimed 4/34, including the wickets of Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Afghanistan slipped to 154/6 and then 176/7, leaving Ireland within touching distance of an unlikely victory. Rashid responded with patience rather than aggression, gradually reducing the deficit before accelerating when the target came within reach.
He eventually finished the chase with two runs off Harry Tector in the 45th over. Yamin Ahmadzai provided crucial support with an unbeaten four from 26 deliveries.
Afghanistan vs Ireland Highlights: Spinners Set Up Crucial ODI Win
The Ireland national cricket team were restricted to 206 after losing eight wickets for 128, but Gavin Hoey and Jai Moondra changed the momentum with a record ninth-wicket partnership of 76 runs.
Hoey top-scored with 36, while Moondra contributed 31 in only his second ODI innings. Their partnership gave Ireland a competitive total after Afghanistan’s spinners had dominated the earlier stages.
Rashid was central to that effort, taking 3/44, while AM Ghazanfar also claimed three wickets. Their combined six-wicket haul kept Ireland under pressure before Hoey’s late intervention with the ball.
The victory confirmed Afghanistan’s fourth consecutive ODI World Cup appearance. They now lead the series 2-0 after the opening match was washed out and the second ODI ended in a 92-run victory for the visiting side.
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