Afghanistan beat Ireland by three wickets
Afghanistan completed a three-wicket victory over Ireland in Belfast to take the ODI series 2-0.
The result also secured Afghanistan’s direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Match summary
Ireland were unable to prevent Afghanistan from completing the chase despite putting pressure on the visitors during the final stages.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed 71, while Rashid Khan finished unbeaten on 37 to guide Afghanistan across the line.
Result
Ireland: defeated
Afghanistan: won by 3 wickets
Series: Afghanistan lead 2-0
Qualification: Afghanistan qualify directly for 2027 ODI World Cup
The result is one of the most important cricket stories of the day because it affects both Afghanistan and the wider World Cup qualification picture.