New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- Afghanistan secured an automatic qualification into the 2027 World Cup after the Rahmat Shah-led side defeated Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI in Belfast on Monday. In the process, Afghanistan lead the series 2-0 after the first game ended in a washout.

Afghanistan's win also meant that two-time former champions West Indies will have to go through the World Cup qualifiers for the third successive time of the 50-overs tournament. After successfully negotiating the qualifiers to play at the 2019 edition, the Caribbean side failed to seal an automatic spot at the 2023 edition and lost in the qualifiers.

It was the first time, West Indies were absent from a men's 50-overs World Cup. Afghanistan's win in Belfa...