Afghanistan secure automatic qualification for 2027 ODI World Cup

Afghanistan secure automatic qualification for 2027 ODI World Cup

Afghanistan have secured automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup following a comprehensive 92-run victory over Ireland in the second ODI of their five-match series in Bready.

The result confirmed Afghanistan's direct entry to the tournament, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia across 12 venues from October to November 2027. The tournament marks the return of the ODI World Cup to Africa after 24 years, with the continent last hosting in 2003.

Afghanistan join South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka among the teams to have secured qualification. The co-hosts receive automatic berths, while the remaining places were determined through the ICC ODI rankings qualification process.

The 2027 edition will feature 14 teams, marking an expansion from the 10-team format used in 2019 and 2023, and representing the first 14-team men's ODI World Cup since 2015.

Series dominance continues

After the opening ODI was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain, Afghanistan responded emphatically with their 92-run victory in the second match to secure the result they needed for World Cup qualification.

The team maintained their dominance in the third ODI, defeating Ireland by three wickets. Ireland were bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs, with Rashid Khan and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar claiming three wickets each. Yamin Ahmadzai took two wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai added one apiece.

Chasing 207 for victory, Afghanistan reached their target in 45 overs despite losing seven wickets. Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with 71, while Rashid Khan contributed 37. Sediq Atal made 27 and Hashmatullah Shahidi added 22.

Afghanistan's remarkable rise

The World Cup qualification represents another significant milestone for Afghanistan cricket, which has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. The nation gained full ICC membership status in 2017, having progressed from affiliate membership in 2001 through associate membership in 2013.

Afghanistan qualified for their first ODI World Cup in 2015 after finishing as runners-up in the 2011-13 ICC World Cricket League Championship, achieving their maiden World Cup victory by defeating Scotland in that tournament. Since then, they have established themselves as a regular presence at major ICC tournaments, recently reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

West Indies miss out again

Afghanistan's qualification ended the West Indies' hopes of securing one of the direct qualification spots. The Caribbean side have now failed to qualify directly for the third consecutive ODI World Cup, having also missed automatic qualification for the 2019 and 2023 editions. Notably, West Indies failed to qualify for the 2023 tournament entirely, marking the first time in their history they missed an ODI World Cup.

Ireland will also take the longer route through the 10-team World Cup Qualifier, scheduled from February 22 to March 23, 2027. The winner of that tournament will advance directly to the main group stage, while the teams finishing second, third and fourth will compete in a Super Series for the final spot.

Afghanistan and Ireland have two more ODIs remaining in their current series, with the fourth match scheduled for August 12 and the fifth for August 15.