Afghanistan secure place in ICC Cricket World Cup 2027; push THIS Big team to qualifiers
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Afghanistan have taken a 2-0 unbeatable lead in the ongoing ODI series against Ireland.
After winning the second ODI against Ireland in Bready, Afghanistan backed it up with another thrilling win in the third ODI. It was a lot closer than the second game. The margin came down to only the last few wickets.
Rashid Khan bowled a match-winning spell of 6/34 in the second game and won the Man of the Match award. He produced another game-changing display in the third ODI.
Rashid took 3/44 with the ball and scored an unbeaten 37 off 44 balls to take Afghanistan over the line with a winning hit. With this win, the visitors have taken an unassailable lead in the five-match ODI series with two matches left to play.
Not just the series lead, Afghanistan have also secured a place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. The upcoming ICC event is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe between 4 October and 21 November 2027.
Afghanistan secures place in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia
The ongoing series between Afghanistan and Ireland was very important for both sides. After the first game was washed out, Ireland’s qualification became almost impossible. But Afghanistan have managed to book a place in the mega event with two consecutive wins.
Their qualification means that the two-time World Champions, West Indies, will have to go through qualifiers for the second consecutive time to make it to the ICC event next year. Rahmat Shah and co. have joined South Africa and Zimbabwe, who are co-hosts.
India, Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are the other qualified teams who have made it to the Super 12 as per the newly announced format.
As per the new format, the top 8 ranked ODI teams as of September 30, 2026, apart from co-hosts, will make it directly to the Super 12. Notably, the third host nation, Namibia, have to go through qualifiers because they are an associate nation.
Afghanistan are ranked 8th in the ODI rankings and will remain at this position until the end of the deadline. Ireland have only themselves to blame.
The two defeats have made their qualification difficult, and they will have to go through the ten-team qualifiers to make it to the next round. The qualifiers will include the 9th and 10th-ranked ODI teams with the top four teams from World Cup League 2 and the World Cup Qualifier Playoff.
When will the 2027 ODI World Cup start?
The upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 will be played between 4 October and 21 November 2027.
Where will the 2027 ODI World Cup play?
The ODI World Cup 2027 will be played in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.