Afghanistan secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after defeating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI in Belfast on Monday.

Afghanistan opted to bowl first and dismissed Ireland for 206 runs in 46.3 overs. The visitors then chased down the target in 44.5 overs, finishing on 207 for seven.

All-rounder Rashid Khan played the decisive role in the tense chase. He remained unbeaten on 37 runs from 43 ballsand also claimed three wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.

Rashid Guides Afghanistan Home

Afghanistan appeared to be under pressure during the chase after losing their seventh wicket at 176.

Rashid, however, held his nerve and took responsibility for finishing the match. He struck four boundaries during his unbeaten innings and combined with Yamin Ahmadzai to take Afghanistan across the finish line.

Yamin stayed unbeaten on four from 26 balls as the pair guided Afghanistan to 207 for seven in 44.5 overs.

The victory also completed Afghanistan's second successive win over Ireland in the ODI series and provided the qualification boost the team needed.

How Afghanistan Qualified

Afghanistan's qualification is linked to the ICC ODI rankings and the cutoff date for direct qualification.

The team is currently ranked eighth in the ODI rankings. By securing the required results against Ireland, Afghanistan is set to remain inside the top eight until September 30, 2026, the cutoff date used for direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The top-ranked teams at the cutoff will qualify directly, while teams outside the qualifying positions will have to go through the qualification route.

Afghanistan's victory therefore guarantees its place in the 2027 tournament.

West Indies Face Qualifiers

Afghanistan's qualification also means that the West Indies will have to enter the World Cup qualifiers.

The West Indies are currently ranked 10th in the ODI standings. Even victories in their upcoming two-match ODI series against India would not be enough to take them into the top eight by the qualification cutoff, according to the current qualification scenario.

The development is a setback for the two-time ODI World Cup champions, who will now have to negotiate the qualifying pathway to secure a place at the 2027 tournament.

Rashid Khan’s All-Round Impact

Rashid's contribution was crucial at both stages of the match.

After helping Afghanistan restrict Ireland to 206, the leg-spinner returned to the middle during a difficult chase and remained unbeaten until the winning runs were scored.

His three wickets and 37-run innings made him the standout performer of the match.

The result also highlights Afghanistan's growing presence in international ODI cricket. The team has developed into a competitive side in major ICC tournaments and will now prepare for another World Cup appearance.

Fourth World Cup Appearance

The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Afghanistan's qualification will mark its fourth appearance in the men's ODI World Cup.

The team made its World Cup debut in 2015 and has since become a regular presence on the global stage.

With direct qualification now secured, Afghanistan can focus on building its squad and preparing for the conditions expected in southern Africa.

For Ireland, meanwhile, the defeat ends its hopes of securing direct qualification through the current ODI ranking route and increases the importance of the qualification process ahead.