Cricket Updates: Afghanistan secured their place in the 2027 ODI World Cup with a thrilling 3-wicket win against Ireland in the third ODI. In the match played in Belfast, Afghanistan first bowled out Ireland for 206 runs in 46.3 overs. Chasing the target, the team won by losing 7 wickets in 44.5 overs.
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Afghanistan's innings was in trouble at one time. The team had lost 7 wickets by the time it reached 176 runs. After this, captain Rashid Khan took charge and played an important inning of 37 not out and took the team to the threshold of victory. Rashid faced 43 balls and hit 4 fours. Rashid was supported by Yamin Ahmedzai. He scored 4 unbeaten runs on 26 balls and together they took the team to the target. Before this, Rashid also performed brilliantly with the ball and took 3 wickets in his name.
Staying in top-8 becomes the key to World Cup ticket
The importance of this victory of Afghanistan is not limited to just winning the series. The team is currently ranked 8th in the ODI rankings and with its second consecutive win against Ireland, it has strengthened its position to remain in the top-8 till the cutoff date of 30 September 2026. On this basis, he has got direct entry into the 2027 ODI World Cup.
West Indies will now have to play qualifiers
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With Afghanistan directly reaching the World Cup, the difficulty for West Indies has increased. West Indies is currently ranked 10th in the ODI rankings. It still has two ODI matches left against India, but despite winning those matches, the team is unlikely to reach the top-8. In such a situation, West Indies will now have to adopt the path of World Cup qualifiers. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. This will be the fourth opportunity for Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup.