Afghanistan skipper Nawroz Mangal hit a useful knock of 78 against Namibia

Canada, Kenya and the Netherlands qualified for the 2011 cricket World Cup to be staged in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The top four out of eight sides competing in South Africa progressed to the one-day tournament, with Ireland having already secured their spot.

Scotland failed to progress but a guaranteed top-six position preserved their international one-day status.

Afghanistan also earned their one-day status after beating Namibia.

Pakistan had been due to co-host the event but on Friday were stripped of hosting any matches because of their uncertain security situation.

The other three countries hosting the tournament will share the 16 matches over six weeks with the first game taking place on 19 February 2011.

The Irish, who secured qualification on Wednesday, lost to Kenya by six wickets in their latest World Cup qualifier in Pretoria and will now prepare to play Canada in Sunday's final.

606: DEBATE What a remarkable turn around this for the war-torn country worldaudience

Meanwhile, Scotland's hopes of progression were dashed despite a 122-run victory over United Arab Emirates as other results went against them.

Although Afghanistan also failed to qualify because they could not beat Kenya's net run rate, their 21-run win over Namibia in Pretoria earned them official ODI status.

Dominic O'Reilly, UK Director of the charity Afghanaid, told cricinfo.com "It's a great achievement by the Afghan cricket team to qualify for ODI status with such scant resources and shows the determination and resourcefulness of the people.

"I'm sure the team's success will boost interest and give everyone there a lift."

There will be no fifth World Cup for Kenya skipper Steve Tikolo, 37.

"My legs are going now and I'm getting a little too slow. I think it's time to let the youngsters come through," said Tikolo.

"I will probably play until the end of this season but I will not be around for the next World Cup. There is plenty of young talent coming through in Kenya so I think the time is right for me to step away."

The top six sides in South Africa also qualify automatically for the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2009-10 and this year's WorldTwenty20 qualifier.

On Sunday, Scotland will get the opportunity to avenge an earlier defeat by Afghanistan when they meet in a play-off for fifth place.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version