Afghanistan players celebrate in Harare yesterday after beating Ireland to qualify for next year’s World Cup. PIC/ICC

Afghanistan, after losing their opening three qualifying games, upset the odds to beat Ireland by five wickets yesterday to qualify for next year's Cricket World Cup. Asghar Stanikzai, coming back from a bout of appendicitis, hit an invaluable 39 not out off 29 balls to guide the Afghans to 213 for five in reply to Ireland's 209-7.