ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2018: Afghanistan qualify for 2019 WC
ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2018: Afghanistan qualify for 2019 WC
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After the host Zimbabwe’s heart-breaking lost against United Arab Emirates on Thursday, the equation was simple for these two sides (Afghanistan and Ireland) is to win, and a place at next year’s finals in England and Wales would be secure.

Earlier with the bat, Ireland set a moderate target of 210, Afghanistan made heavy weather of the chase after Mohammad Shahzad’s 54 runs off 50 balls at the top of the order got them off to a positive start. Afghanistan opening batsmen Shahzad joined in an opening stand of 86 with Gulbadin Naib (45) and although the Blue Tigers lost their way a little in the middle overs to set up a tense finale, captain Asghar Stanikzai’s unbeaten 39 from 29 deliveries got them over the line with five balls remaining of their innings. Earlier in the first innings, Rashid Khan moved to 99 ODI wickets by taking 3 wickets for giving 40 runs as Ireland were restricted to just 209-7, having won the toss and elected to bat.

Paul Stirling top scored with 55 off 87, while Kevin O’Brien provided some impetus with 41 from 37 but their total never looked likely to be enough. It was left to Stanikzai and Najibullah Zadran (17no) to steer them home as Afghanistan - who needed to win all three Super Six encounters to have any chance - secured a finals berth alongside West Indies, whom they will meet in a largely immaterial tournament decider on Sunday.

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