New Delhi. Afghanistan cricket team has qualified directly for the 2027 ODI World Cup with outstanding performance. In the third ODI played against Ireland in Belfast, Afghanistan won by three wickets in a thrilling match. With this victory, the Afghan team took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series and secured its place in the World Cup. This achievement is also special for Afghanistan because the team is continuously making its strong mark in international cricket and now it will be eyeing a big upset in the 2027 World Cup.

In the match, Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bowl first and its bowlers maintained pressure on Ireland's batsmen from the beginning. Ireland was all out for 206 runs in 46.3 overs. Afghan bowlers kept the host team from moving towards a big score by taking wickets at regular intervals. However, Ireland's lower order made an important partnership for the ninth wicket and took the team's score beyond 200 runs and set a target of 207 runs for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan had a good start in chasing the target. At one time the team's score was only two wickets for 97 runs and the match appeared to be in its favor. But after this suddenly the fall of wickets started. Afghanistan lost five more wickets after reaching 176 runs. After the fall of seven wickets for 176 runs, the match became completely exciting and Ireland started looking hopeful of victory.

In such difficult times, experienced Rashid Khan took the responsibility on his shoulders. Rashid batted with restraint and played an important inning of 37 not out. He faced 43 balls and hit four fours. At the other end, Yamin Ahmedzai supported him and scored four unbeaten runs in 26 balls. Both the batsmen saved the wickets till the end and Afghanistan reached the target in 44.5 overs. Rashid Khan was adjudged Player of the Match for playing a decisive role in the match.

With this victory, Afghanistan has ensured its fourth entry in the ODI World Cup. The Afghanistan team, which is ranked eighth in the ODI rankings, has now joined the teams to enter the 2027 World Cup directly. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Making a place in the World Cup for Afghanistan is being considered as a big proof of the continuously increasing level of its cricket.

Captain Rahmat Shah praised the performance of the bowlers after the victory. He said that the bowlers understood the conditions quickly and implemented their strategy well according to the field. He also praised the performances of Yamin Ahmedzai Rashid Khan and Ghazanfar. Rehmat Shah admitted that chasing the target was not easy in a low-scoring match but the team won despite the pressure. He described Ireland's ninth wicket partnership as challenging and said that in future the team will focus on breaking such partnerships quickly.

This victory of Afghanistan is not just a victory of one match but also an indication of its changing picture in world cricket. Afghanistan, which was once counted among the weak teams, is now showing its ability to challenge stronger teams along with cementing its place in big tournaments. On the strength of experienced players like Rashid Khan and young talent, the team is preparing to leave its mark in the 2027 World Cup as well.