Afghanistan qualify directly for 2027 WC, West Indies face qualifiers

Afghanistan have secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after defeating Ireland by three wickets in Belfast. Rashid Khan's side confirmed their ticket to the global event with the victory, which also ensured Bangladesh's direct qualification. Meanwhile, two-time world champions West Indies will once again have to navigate the challenging qualifying rounds.

Alongside Afghanistan, the teams that have secured direct World Cup berths are Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and Bangladesh. As hosts, South Africa and Zimbabwe will also feature in the main event. According to the current ODI rankings, Afghanistan are in eighth place with 91 rating points, Bangladesh ninth with 83 points and West Indies on 77 points. Since South Africa are in fourth place, their host quota is separate, meaning Bangladesh in ninth place have also secured direct qualification.

Earlier, the cut-off date for direct World Cup qualification based on rankings was set for March 31, 2027, but this was brought forward to September 30 this year. While Bangladesh have three ODIs scheduled against India during this period and West Indies have two against India, even if West Indies win both matches, they cannot overtake Bangladesh.

The story of Afghanistan's World Cup qualification in Belfast was quite dramatic. Batting first, Ireland were bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs. In reply, Afghanistan were in trouble at 154 for 6 in 30.5 overs, but Rashid Khan rescued the team with an unbeaten 37 off 43 balls, guiding them to victory with 31 balls to spare. Alongside his batting contribution, he took 3 wickets for 44 runs in 10 overs to claim the Player of the Match award.

Afghanistan now lead the five-match series 2-0. The first match was abandoned due to rain, and that washout ultimately eliminated Ireland from direct World Cup contention. The remaining two matches are also scheduled in Belfast, with the fourth ODI tomorrow and the final match on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the World Cup qualifiers will feature West Indies, Ireland and eight other teams, scheduled from February 22 to March 23 next year. The champion of the qualifiers will secure direct World Cup entry, while the second, third and fourth-placed teams will also get a chance to play in the World Cup, but must compete in a 'Super Series' phase before the main event, where only the best among them will earn a spot.