Afghanistan beat Ireland by eight wickets in Saturday's qualifying final after both teams clinched the last two places for this year's Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean. The Afghans will join India and South Africa in Group C at the April-May tournament, while Ireland plays alongside host West Indies and England in Group D. “It is a great achievement for these teams,” International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement. “Afghanistan and Ireland can rightly feel proud of themselves.” It is the first time Afghanistan has qualified for the Finals of a major ICC tournament. Coach Kabir Khan said: “It's a big thing for Afghanistan, for the cricketers and the nation. “It's quite incredible that 18 months ago the side was winning ICC World Cricket League Division 5. It speaks for itself about how great an achievement it is for the side.” Ireland competed in the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup in England and in the 50-over World Cup in 2007. Ponting ton secures series win over Windies A superb Ricky Ponting century helped Australia beat West Indies by 50 runs in the fourth One-Day International to win the five-match series. Ponting (106) made his 29th one-day ton as the host made 324-7 - the highest ever ODI score at the Gabba. In reply, West Indies made 274-8 with Kieron Pollard (62) and Dwayne Smith (58no) putting on a 102-run stand. With Doug Bollinger taking 2-44 and Ryan Harris 2-64, Australia opened up a 3-0 lead with one game remaining.
