Afghanistan Beats Ireland, Books Direct Spot at 2027 ODI World Cup

Afghanistan locked up direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after beating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI of a five-match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Monday, according to the Times of India and Rediff.

The win gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with two matches still to play.

Afghanistan bowled Ireland out for 206 in 46.3 overs. Chasing a modest target, Afghanistan looked comfortable early, sitting at 97 for two. Then the innings fell apart.

Ireland's bowlers ripped through the middle order, taking five wickets for just 79 runs and leaving Afghanistan at 176 for seven. Rashid Khan steadied things with an unbeaten 37 off 43 balls, including four boundaries. Yamin Ahmadzai stuck with him, grinding out four not out off 26 balls. Together they got Afghanistan home in 44.5 overs without losing another wicket.

Rashid was named Player of the Match.

Afghanistan had already beaten Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI. The opening match of the series was washed out entirely, per both outlets, which meant Ireland never got a real shot at forcing a decider before Afghanistan closed it out.

Afghanistan, currently ranked No. 8 in ODI cricket, will now make their fourth appearance at an ODI World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027.

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah credited the bowling attack for setting up the win. "It was a low-scoring match, always tough. Finally, we won the match," Shah said, according to the Times of India. On the bowling performance specifically, he said he gave his bowlers field plans based on conditions and that they read the situation well, singling out Yamin Ahmadzai, Rashid Khan and Ghanzafar. He also noted Ireland's ninth-wicket partnership had helped them post a competitive total and said Afghanistan would look to break such partnerships earlier in future.

Ireland's collapse in the chase, going from 97-2 to 176-7, showed they can still apply pressure with the ball even without a big total to defend. But the practical reality is blunt: Ireland now has no path to direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup through this series.

Both the Times of India and Rediff covered the result with essentially identical facts: same score lines, same collapse-and-recovery arc, same Player of the Match. Neither outlet raised any dispute over the outcome or the qualification math.

Two matches remain in the five-match series between Afghanistan and Ireland. They no longer carry direct World Cup qualification stakes, but Ireland will be looking to salvage some pride before the series wraps up.