Rashid stars as Afghanistan qualify for 2027 ODI WC
Belfast:Â Afghanistan booked their place in the 2027 ODI World Cup in Southern Africa with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Ireland in the second match of their five-game series.
The win gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead and confirmed their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Captain Rashid Khan once again proved decisive, taking three wickets to help Afghanistan dismiss Ireland for 206 before scoring an unbeaten 37 to guide the chase, which was completed with more than five overs to spare. Rashid had also taken six wickets in the opening match of the series.
Ireland appeared in trouble at 128 for eight before Gavin Hoey and Jai Moondra produced a record ninth-wicket partnership worth 76 runs.
Hoey top-scored with 36 and returned career-best ODI figures of 4/34, while Moondra made 31 in only his second ODI innings. Their stand briefly revived Ireland’s hopes.
Afghanistan’s chase was led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 71 and registered his eighth ODI fifty. However, Hoey’s spell and wickets from Mark Adair put the visitors under pressure. Afghanistan slipped to 150 for six before Rashid held his nerve.
The skipper waited until only 15 runs were required before attacking, eventually hitting the winning runs with a couple off Harry Tector in the 45th over.
Yamin Ahmadzai, playing his first ODI since 2022, took two wickets and finished unbeaten on four as Afghanistan held their nerve to seal a historic qualification.
Brief Score
Ireland 206 all out in 46.3 overs (Gavin Hoey 36, Jai Moondra 31; Allah Ghazanfar 3/29, Rashid Khan 3/44) lost to Afghanistan 207/7 in 44.5 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 71, Rashid Khan 37*, Gavin Hoey 4/34) by 3 wickets (Afghanistan lead series 2-0)