Afghanistan Qualify for ODI World Cup; Rashid Khan Stars

Afghanistan have secured direct qualification for next year’s ODI World Cup after defeating Ireland in the third ODI in Belfast. Captain Rashid Khan produced a brilliant all-round performance to guide Afghanistan to a crucial victory and book their place in the global tournament.

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With this win, Afghanistan have qualified directly for the ODI World Cup for the second consecutive time. While several established teams, including the West Indies, will have to go through the qualification process, Afghanistan have once again secured their place directly.

Ireland Post 206 Runs in Belfast

Ireland batted first in the third ODI in Belfast and managed to score 206 runs. Gavin Hoey contributed 36 runs to Ireland’s total, while Afghanistan conceded 34 extras.

For Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan picked up three wickets each, restricting Ireland to a manageable total.

Gurbaz Sets Up Afghanistan’s Chase

Chasing 207, Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a crucial knock of 71 runs and laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s run chase.

However, Afghanistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals, putting their chase under pressure. With the target still to be reached, the match appeared to be slipping away from Afghanistan.

That was when captain Rashid Khan stepped up.

Rashid played a crucial unbeaten innings of 37 runs, taking Afghanistan over the finishing line and securing a vital victory. His contribution with both bat and ball earned him the Player of the Match award.

Afghanistan Secure Second Straight Direct Qualification

The ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa and Zimbabwe in October-November next year, with both hosts receiving direct qualification.

Apart from the two host nations, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, England, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have also secured qualification.

The remaining four spots in the tournament will be decided through the qualification process.

Afghanistan’s latest achievement highlights the team’s growing stature in international cricket. Rashid Khan’s leadership and all-round contribution once again proved decisive as Afghanistan secured their place among the world’s top ODI teams.

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