Paul Stirling and veteran Trent Johnston starred for Ireland as Afghanistan were bowled out for 157, chasing a mammoth 225 for a win in Abu Dhabi.
Ireland made 268-5 in their innings, but Michael Rippon stole the show for the Dutch by smashing the last two balls of the match for four and six to bring the Netherlands level off their 50 overs.
Ireland and Afghanistan served up a blistering classic in the final of the World Twenty20 Qualifier in Dubai, putting to rest any fears that the game would be an anti-climax after both teams had already sealed their spot in the World Twenty20 to be held later this year.
Paul Stirling starred with both the bat and ball as Ireland beat Kenya by eight wickets in the second Twenty20 international match at the Mombasa Sports Club grounds on Thursday.
Hamish Bennett, the New Zealand fast bowler, has been ruled out of the World Cup due to an injury to his ankle and Achilles tendon. Seamer Daryl Tuffey, who had been called up as a standby for an injured Kyle Mills, will take Bennett's place in the XV.
New Zealand's bad luck with injuries continued when Hamish Bennett limped off in Friday's Group A match against Sri Lanka.
James Franklin replaced injured Hamish Bennett in NZ squad for the remaining 2 Tests of the ongoing 3 match series against India.
Rookie batsman Kane Williamson and pacer Hamish Bennett were the new faces in New Zealand's 15-member Test squad announced on Sunday
