Afghanistan claims WT20 Qualifier title

Afghanistan clinched the ICC World Twenty20 2010 Qualifier title on Saturday night by defeating Ireland by eight wickets to the delight of thousands of Afghan supporters in Dubai.

It means that Afghanistan will have the opportunity to play India and South Africa at the ICC World Twenty20, while Ireland goes into a fascinating group with the West Indies and England.

Batting first, William Porterfield (20) and Niall O'Brien (22) added a lively stand of 42 for the opening wicket, before O'Brien and Alex Cusack (28) partnered to take Ireland to 82-1.

But from there it suffered a dramatic collapse to 117-7 as Afghan captain Nowroz Mangal took 3-23, although it would still have been reasonably happy with a total of 142-8 off 20 overs.

Karim Sadiq then smashed a fantastic innings of 34 off 17 balls, including one huge six, to give his side a fantastic start, before Mohammad Shahzad (65 not out) led his team to a victory with a wonderfully paced innings which showed signs of real class.

Captain Nowroz provided him with the support he needed as the Afghans comfortably reached its victory target, sealed by a six by Mohammad Shahzad, and clinched a second win over Ireland in this tournament.