World Cup Secured: Rashid Khan Shines as Afghanistan Beats Ireland in Thriller

Afghanistan has officially qualified for the 2027 ODI World Cup after pulling off a tense 3-wicket victory against Ireland in Belfast.

Afghanistan beat Ireland by 3 wickets in a thrilling third ODI at Belfast. This victory gives Afghanistan a clear 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

More importantly, the win confirms a top-eight ranking spot for Afghanistan. This guarantees their direct entry into the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup taking place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Spinners Collapse Ireland’s Middle Order

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. All-rounder Rashid Khan and young spinner Allah Ghazanfar tore through the Irish batting lineup, taking 3 wickets each. Ireland slipped to a struggling 128 for 8.

However, Ireland fought back through a 76-run ninth-wicket partnership between Gavin Hoey (36) and Jai Moondra (31). Their effort helped Ireland reach 206 runs before being bowled out in 46.3 overs.

Batting Collapse

Afghanistan started their run-chase comfortably. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a solid innings, scoring 71 runs off 77 balls to take the score to 97 for 2.

Ireland leg spinner Gavin Hoey then changed the momentum completely. Hoey took 4 wickets for 34 runs. It caused a sudden middle-order collapse that left Afghanistan struggling at 176 for 7.

Rashid Khan Finishes the Job

With 31 runs still needed and 7 wickets down, Rashid Khan kept his cool. He scored an unbeaten 37 runs off 43 balls to steady the chase.

Standing alongside Yamin Ahmadzai, Rashid guided Afghanistan past the target in the 45th over. Rashid earned the Player of the Match award for his brilliant all-round effort.