Rashid Khan propelled AFG to 2027 World Cup [Source: AFP]In a remarkable achievement, Afghanistan ensured a direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup following a thrilling victory over Ireland in the third ODI of the ongoing five-match series. Rashid Khan played a pivotal role in his side's crucial win, making a significant impact with his all-round prowess. Batting first, Ireland huffed and puffed to a modest total of 206 runs. Rashid Khan starred with the ball, scalping three wickets for 44 runs. In response, Afghanistan were reeling at 154 for six when Rashid Khan played a whirlwind knock of 37 runs and powered them to glory. Thus, Rashid's all-round exploits helped the Afghans win an ODI for the second consecutive time in the series and seal their direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Africa. Afghanistan's qualification simplifies ten direct entrants for 2027 World CupLed by Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan had a positive start to the Ireland series, winning the second ODI comfortably by 92 runs after the first match was abandoned due to rain. However, the heavy victory wasn't enough, and they needed to extend their winning run to avoid playing the qualifier and secure direct entry into the 2027 World Cup. Therefore, Rashid Khan's all-round masterclass not only led the Afghans to a three-wicket win but also helped them become the latest entrant based on the ICC ODI rankings. India, New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan have already secured a direct entry for the 2027 World Cup, claiming the first, second, third and fifth positions, respectively, on the ICC rankings. The fourth-ranked South Africa and the eleventh-placed Zimbabwe automatically qualify, being co-hosts for the showpiece event. Also Read: Best Bowling Figures For Afghanistan In ODIsSri Lanka and England are currently placed sixth and seventh, respectively, on the ICC rankings, and they will take on each other in a three-match ODI series in September. However, as they are ahead of their competitors, especially Bangladesh and Afghanistan, the outcome of that series will hardly affect their direct qualification chances for the 2027 World Cup. Thus, the ten teams who are all but confirmed to get a direct entry into the mega event are: India, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Afghanistan's entry shuts the door for West IndiesAfter winning the third ODI against Ireland, the Afghanistan cricket team qualified for the 2027 World Cup based on ICC rankings. The Afghans' grand entry to the competition shut the door for the West Indies, a team that is currently placed tenth on the ICC rankings with 77 points. The West Indies have only three ODIs left, and they will face a formidable Indian team as their final assignment before the deadline for direct World Cup qualification ends in September. Even if the Men in Maroon secure two wins before the deadline, they will still have to play the qualifier to feature in the main event. How have Afghanistan performed in Cricket World Cups?Afghanistan's first appearance in an ICC World Cup edition dates back to 2015 when they qualified for the marquee competition in Australia and New Zealand. The nerve-wracking one-wicket win over Scotland marked the Afghans' only World Cup win until the 2023 edition, where they forced three major upsets by defeating the higher-ranked England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The 2023 World Cup in India witnessed Afghanistan's finest performance in the tournament as they also swatted aside the Netherlands and came really close to defeating Australia, the eventual champions. Overall, Afghanistan have played 24 matches in ICC World Cups, winning 5 and losing 19.Also Read: England Player Set To Return For Pakistan Test Series After Injury
