Afghanistan Secure 2027 World Cup Spot As West Indies Face Qualifying Battle

Afghanistan confirmed their qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after defeating Ireland by three wickets in Belfast.

Captain Rashid Khan played a decisive role, taking three wickets before scoring an unbeaten 37 to guide his side across the finish line.

Afghanistan’s bowling attack regularly broke through Ireland’s top order and dismissed the team for 206.

Gavin Hoey briefly shifted the momentum towards Ireland by claiming a career-best 4/34.

Hoey removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had scored 71, and helped put Afghanistan under pressure during the chase.

Ireland received a major boost from a record ninth-wicket stand between Hoey and Jai Moondra, who added 76 runs.

Afghanistan eventually regained control as Rashid remained composed during the tense final stages. He increased the scoring rate when his side required only 15 runs and completed the victory in the 45th over.

The result gave Afghanistan a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. It also secured Afghanistan’s fourth consecutive appearance at the ODI World Cup.

While Afghanistan celebrated, the West Indies suffered another setback in their bid to return to the global 50-over tournament.

The Caribbean side, currently ranked 10th in the ICC ODI rankings, cannot reach an automatic qualification position before the September 30 deadline, even if they win their remaining matches against India.

The top eight eligible teams will receive automatic World Cup places, alongside hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.

West Indies will therefore enter the 2027 World Cup Qualifier in February next year.

The tournament will include Ireland, the other lowest-ranked non-host Full Member, alongside teams progressing through the League 2 and Qualifier Playoff pathways.

The Qualifier winner will gain direct entry into the second round of the World Cup, while the next three teams will compete in the Super Series for another place.

The latest setback adds to West Indies’ difficult recent record. They missed the 2023 ODI World Cup and also failed to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The 2027 tournament will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Afghanistan already assured of their place while West Indies face another qualifying campaign.

Also Read: From Cricket To Khaki: Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep Join Bihar Police As DSPs