Sport
Afghanistan secure direct qualification for 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup
The qualification is another major milestone for Afghanistan cricket, which has established itself as a regular presence at global ICC tournaments over the past decade.
Afghanistan have secured direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup after beating Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI of their five-match series in Bready.
The victory confirmed Afghanistan’s place among the teams that will qualify directly for the 2027 tournament, removing the pressure from the remaining matches of the Ireland series.
Afghanistan join South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka among the teams that have secured their places at the 2027 World Cup.
South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically as co-hosts, while the remaining teams earned their places through the ICC ODI ranking qualification process.
The first ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain. Afghanistan then produced a convincing performance in the second match, winning by 92 runs and securing the result they needed to confirm their World Cup place.
The qualification is another major milestone for Afghanistan cricket, which has established itself as a regular presence at global ICC tournaments over the past decade.
The result also ended the West Indies’ hopes of securing one of the direct qualification places. Ireland, meanwhile, will have to take the longer route through the 10-team World Cup Qualifier.
Afghanistan and Ireland still have three ODIs remaining in the current series, with the third match scheduled for August 10, followed by the fourth on August 12 and the fifth on August 15.
With their World Cup place secured, Afghanistan can now approach the remaining matches without the pressure of qualification hanging over the team.
The 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Afghanistan face Ireland for the third of five matches tomorrow, Monday 10.
Fans across Afghanistan can watch the match live and exclusively on Ariana Television.
For updates, schedules and news on the tour, fans can follow Ariana Television, and Ariana News’ social media pages.