Afghanistan qualify for ODI World Cup 2027 with 3-wicket win vs Ireland, West Indies to play qualifiers for 3rd consecutive time

Afghanistan beat Ireland by three wickets in the second ODI of the five-ODI series to confirm their spot in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2027. Afghanistan have once again earned direct qualification with a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-ODI series against Ireland. This will be Afghanistan’s fourth appearance in the ODI World Cup.

As per the ICC, top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings on September 30, 2026 earn a direct qualification for the World Cup next year. It excludes South Africa and Zimbabwe who are co-hosts. Afghanistan are eighth-placed with 91 rating points, two shy of seventh-placed England. 

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Afghanistan will join Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, the teams who are already qualified for the ODI World Cup 2027.

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Long road to ODI World Cup 2027 for West Indies

Meanwhile, two-time ODI World Cup-winners West Indies have failed to earn direct qualification into the major tournament once again. The 10th-placed West Indies are due to play one ODI before September 30 on Indian soil. But, even a win against the two-time ODI World Champions won't ensure a direct qualification. They will take the Qualifiers route once again to make it to the competition.

In the 2023 edition, West Indies could not make it past the qualifiers. In the 2019 edition, West Indies made it to the 10-team tournament via qualifiers but finished ninth with six losses from nine games.

Thrilling win for Afghanistan

Afghanistan skipper Rahmat Shah won the toss and opted to bowl first. Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar claimed three wickets each as Ireland lost eight wickets for 128 in the 30th over. Gavin Hoey and Jai Moondra's 30s helped Ireland get past the 200-run mark. Ireland were bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs.

In the run chase, Rahmanullah Gurbaz played the anchor role while wickets fell around him. Hoey claimed a four-fer including Gurbaz's wicket. The opener scored 71 runs from 77 balls, including five sixes. Afghanistan were 176/6 in the 36th over. But Rashid led the charge with Yamin Ahmadzai supporting him. Rashid's unbeaten 43-ball 37 took Afghanistan over the line with 31 balls to spare. On the other end, Ahmadzai faced 26 balls to score just four runs in the winning cause.