14 Feb 2010

Afghanistan and Ireland to compete at World T20

6:25 pm on 14 February 2010

Afghanistan's cricket fairytale continues - they've defeated the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, at the World Twenty20 qualifiers to reach their first major finals at the tournament, which starts in the West Indies at the end of April.

Afghanistan and Ireland will meet in the final of the qualifying tournament today, but both have now qualified for the World Twenty20.

Afghanistan overcame the challenge of the UAE in a thrilling finish by four wickets with just three balls to spare and in the second match Ireland beat the Netherlands by 65 runs.

The winner of the final will join India and South Africa in Group C while the runner-up will play its Group D matches in Guyana against the West Indies and England.