Afghanistan finally made it to the 2019 World Cup in England; after they defeated Ireland in the last Super six match by 5 wickets. They were also helped by UAE, as they defeated Zimbabwe in a huge upset win, opening the doors for Afghanistan and Ireland to qualify.
The match was a brilliant one, as Rashid Khan’s 3/40 kept Ireland to just 209/7 in 50 overs, thanks to Paul Stirling making a top score of 55 and Kevin O'Brien hitting 41. The chase was not a smooth one, but was made easy by Mohammad Shahzad, who clobbered 54 off 50 ball. Skipper Asghar Stanikzai and Najibullah Zadran led the Afghans to a memorable victory with five balls to play.
Afghanistan will join fellow qualifiers West Indies in the 10-team World Cup to be staged in England and Wales from May 30-July 14, 2019, alongside defending champions Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, South Africa and New Zealand.
The cricket fraternity was ecstatic over Afghanistan’s World Cup qualification and showed their pleasure on Twitter.
Here are some tweets:
West Indies - Afghanistan!
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) March 23, 2018
.@ACBofficials shows that you should never stop believing. Scraping their way through to the Super Six with only 1 win, they haven't lost a game since and now they are going to the World Cup next year #CWCQ
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) March 23, 2018
Sport tells you that you just never say "it can't be done". Afghanistan have qualified for #CWC19 from nowhere! Just keep at it, never know what happens.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 23, 2018
Well done to Afghanistan Cricket on qualifying for the 2019 ICCCWC2019. Great fighting qualities to come back from a slow start. So happy for my big brother @Coachsim13 with my buddy @mmbangwa and so proud of @ZimCricketv @Irelandcricket pic.twitter.com/dYof0rN7uC
— ian bishop (@irbishi) March 23, 2018
Thrilled for @ACBofficials making the #WorldCup remarkable story, love the way they play the game. @ICC @MohammadNabi007 @rashidkhan_19
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) March 23, 2018
Congratulations Afghanistan on qualifying for the 2019 World Cup. After struggling initially in the tournament, the way they fought back when it mattered the most was quite amazing. Richly deserved. Enjoy the moment @rashidkhan_19 @MohammadNabi007 #AFGvIRE
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 23, 2018
Fortune favours the brave and Afghanistan have made their fortune. Some really talented players there and they have shown really strong character. Tough on Zimbabwe, Ireland and Scotland. #AFGvIRE
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 23, 2018
Always believe in fairy tales. They do come true. If you don’t believe me, ask Afghanistan Cricket Team. Well done boys..see you in 2019 ????????
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 23, 2018
After a roller-coaster ride in the qualifiers, Afghanistan make it to the 2019 World Cup beating Ireland. Big day for them. Important one for cricket!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 23, 2018
Big congrats to @ACBofficials on qualifying for the next World Cup! Well done to @rashidkhan_19 and the team! So happy for them ????????????????????????
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) March 23, 2018
