Afghanistan defeated Ireland by 5 wickets on Friday in the finals of the Super Si matches to qualify for the 2019 World Cup in England. The minnows will now join West Indies and participate in the 10 member World Cup from May 30-July 14, 2019.
Absolute elation! The winning moment and celebrations after Afghanistan qualify for #CWC19! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/pdpy8BpL8B
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 24, 2018
The Afghani team was quite obviously ecstatic following the victory and it can be seen in the way the players celebrated after the match was won. In a video of their dressing room, released by the ICC, the players can be seen chanting “We are in”.
Not so long ago, after losing their first 3 qualifying games, Afghanistan was left hopeless as their dreams of playing another World Cup seemed almost impossible.
A message from @rashidkhan_19 to @ACBofficials fans all over the world after qualifying for the @cricketworldcup 👍🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/hZVxxLyjaX
— ICC (@ICC) March 23, 2018
But Zimbabwe’s shocking defeat to the UAE, not only threw the hosts out of contention but also gave both Ireland and Afghanistan a chance by turning their Super Six game into a direct shot at the last remaining spot.