West Indies miss direct 2027 World Cup qualification after Afghanistan win

Afghanistan beat Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI at Bready and booked their spot for the 2027 World Cup. West Indies can't reach the top nine in the ODI rankings before the September 2026 deadline, so they'll need the qualifiers again — their third straight cycle.

Ireland's own hopes died with the loss. They had to win all five matches to stay in contention, and the second ODI killed that chance. Zimbabwe and South Africa already hold automatic places as co-hosts.

West Indies play India in a three-match series in September and October, but even maximum points won't get them into the top nine before the cut-off.