AFG beat IRE by 5 wickets | Ireland vs Afghanistan, Highlights And Cricket Score Super Sixes - 9 ODI Match

So, we finally have our two teams who will participate in the World Cup next year. Afghanistan will join Windies on the biggest stage of them all. Even though the Afghans were the better team today, Ireland did exceptionally well to take the game deep and make it such a close contest. They put in some good performances throughout the tournament and can keep their heads held high. Anyway, before these two teams can celebrate their entries into the World Cup, they have a final to play. Join in on 25th March, at 0930 local (0730 GMT) as Windies and Afghanistan battle it out for victory. See you folks then!

William Porterfield, Ireland captain, starts by congratulating the Afghanistan team. Adds that they were a few runs short today. Feels that they did have a chance today, but it wasn't meant to be. States that they did learn a lot from this tournament as they will look forward to the upcoming Test series.

Asghar Stanikzai, Afghanistan captain, says that he was in pain but the country comes first for him. Reckons it's a dream day for his side and adds that they made a good comeback and believed in themselves as they were hungry to win this encounter.

Mohammad Shahzad, Man of the Match, thanks the Almighty and adds they have played good cricket to win this match. Reckons he waited to convert the loose deliveries and also says that he believes himself and the staff backs him to play his natural game. Ends by saying that he is happy to play the final with Windies and issues a warning that they are coming for them.

Heartbreak for Ireland though. They played their hearts out and had they won, would have been equally deserving of going through to the big stage. Earlier in the day, Ireland were restricted to 209 courtesy some excellent bowling from the Afghans. The charge was led by Rashid Khan with 3 wickets and he was supported well by the others. The O'Brien brothers did their part, with the younger providing a late impetus towards the end. One wonders, had the others did just a little more, then even 15-20 runs could have made all the difference.

Superb game! Went down till the last over. With a meek target of 210 to gun down, Afghanistan got off to good start with Mohammad Shahzad firing away with a brisk fifty, and he had good support in Gulbadin Naib. But, after Shahzad's dismissal, Ireland pulled things back with some disciplined bowling. Plugged the scoring rate, kept taking wickets at regular intervals and it seemed they would get the better of their opponents. But, a returning Asghar Stanikzai came in and took control of things. He relieved the pressure with some vital hits at the right moments and along with Najibullah Zadran, who did his part, took Afghanistan home and into their first ever World Cup.

Barry McCarthy to Asghar Stanikzai. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 5 WICKETS! Asghar Stanikzai hits the winning runs. He pumps his fist in the air because he knows his team is going to the 2019 World Cup. Coach Phil Simmons is hugging his players. The rest of the team screams in joy. Jubilant scenes. Yorker on leg, Stanikzai somehow manages to dig it out off the inside edge down to fine leg for a boundary.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Stanikzai. Moves across to this bumper and pulls it over backward square leg. One run taken. Afghanistan just need 1 run to win this game. The scores a level now.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Stanikzai. Taps this in front of point. The skipper wants the single but his partner sends him back.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Stanikzai. On a good length and outside off, Asghar runs this down to third man. The fielder in the deep cuts it off and the batsmen take two. Just two more needed to win now.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Stanikzai. Short ball wide outside off, Stanikzai looks to cut but misses. Niall behind the stumps is the only one to appeal, but the umpire denies it.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Short ball on off, the left-hander backs away and slaps it well over point. The fielder from the deep comes running in and takes it on the bounce. Single taken.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Length ball down the leg side, Najibullah just helps it fine down the leg side. Andy Balbirnie does well to run to his left and slide to keep it in play. Keeps the batsmen to two, but these runs are vital for Afghanistan nonetheless.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Slower short ball on middle, Najibullah goes for the big swing across the line again, but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad. Single taken as the ball goes to the leg side.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. SIX! HE HAS MIDDLED THAT! Najibullah Zadran showing all this effort in the gym. All his muscles put into work here. Length ball around off, he clears his front leg and blasts this right off the meat. Clears long on and sends it sailing deep into the stands. What a hit! 8 needed off 13 now.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Takes the pace off this one, on middle, whipped to short mid-wicket.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Length ball aiming the top of off stump, Najibullah swings and off the inner half plays it through backward square leg for a brace.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Fraction straight in line, on middle stump, Zadran with a tap to mid-wicket, straight to the fielder.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Fraction straight in line, on middle stump, Zadran with a tap to mid-wicket, straight to the fielder.