Rashid Khan helps Afghanistan seal 2027 World Cup berth with win over Ireland

BELFAST: Rashid Khan produced an all-round performance as Afghanistan secured automatic qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup with a three-wicket victory over Ireland in Belfast on Monday.

The win gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series, after the opening game was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Ireland, sent in to bat after Afghanistan won the toss, were dismissed for 206 in 46.3 overs. Allah Ghazanfar and Rashid took three wickets apiece, while Gavin Hoey’s 36 and Jai Moondra’s 31 helped Ireland recover from 89-5.

Afghanistan made a strong start in reply, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran putting on 53 for the opening wicket. Gurbaz top-scored with 71 from 77 balls, including five sixes and two fours.

Afghanistan appeared in trouble at 176-7 in the 36th over before Rashid took control. The spinner remained unbeaten on 37 from 43 balls, hitting four boundaries, and shared an unbroken 31-run partnership with Yamin Ahmadzai to guide Afghanistan home in the 45th over.

Rashid was named Player of the Match for his contribution with both bat and ball.

Afghanistan finished sixth at the 2023 World Cup with four wins, including victories over defending champions England, former champions Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but narrowly missed out on the semi-finals.