Mohammad Shahzad, with an unbeaten half century, guided Afghanistan to victory at 147 for two off 17.3 overs after Ireland had posted 142 for eight off their 20 overs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
For the April 30 to May 16 ICC T20 tournament in the Caribbean, Afghanistan will join India and South Africa in Group C while runners-up Ireland will tackle hosts West Indies and England in Group D.
After choosing to bat first, Ireland, coached by ex-West Indies batsman Phil Simmons, started well with captain William Porterfield (20) and Niall O’Brien (28) posting a brisk 42 for the first wicket.
Alex Cusack, batting at No.3, kept up the pace with a 22-ball 28 but Ireland lost their momentum as off-spinner Nowroz Mangal (3-23) and leg-spinner Samiullah Shenwari (1-9) bowled economically to stifle Ireland’s bid to accelerate later in the innings.
Afghanistan had little difficulty chasing the target.
Man of the match Shahzad led the way with an undefeated 65 off 46 balls with six fours and one six, while Karim Sadiq (34) and captain Mangal (21 not out) got useful scores for Afghanistan to win with 15 balls to spare.
By virtue of reaching the final, both teams had guaranteed their spots in the ICC T20 in the Caribbean and ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, who presented the trophy to the winning captain, congratulated both teams on their qualification for the ICC World Twenty20.
“It is a great achievement for these teams to make it through to the West Indies,” Lorgat said.
