END OF THE WORLD FOR IRELAND

IRELAND have failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup after they were beaten by Afghanistan in yesterday’s winner-takes-all clash. Will Porterfield’s side won the toss in Zimbabwe and made 209 for seven. Ireland rallied after a strong start to the reply, but Afghanistan got home with five balls to spare. West Indies beat Scotland on Wednesday to claim the other qualifying place in the 10-team tournament, which is being hosted by England and Wales.