In a proud moment for Asian cricket, Nepal and Oman have officially qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. Both teams displayed exceptional performances in the Asia–East Pacific Qualifier held in Al Amerat, Oman, and sealed their tickets to next year’s mega event.
Nepal’s journey to qualification was nothing short of inspirational. Under the leadership of Rohit Paudel, the team remained unbeaten from the group stage to the Super Six round. They won all their matches, including a thrilling one-run victory over UAE, which confirmed their World Cup berth.
In that intense clash, Asif Sheikh’s calm innings and Sandeep Lamichhane magical bowling turned the tide in Nepal’s favor. This qualification marks Nepal’s third appearance in the T20 World Cup after 2014 and 2024. The team’s consistent rise reflects their growing strength and composure at the international level.
Hosts Oman also made full use of home advantage and produced a well-balanced performance throughout the qualifiers. Led by Zeeshan Maqsood, Oman displayed discipline and clarity in both batting and bowling. Their victories over Qatar and UAE in the Super Six round confirmed their qualification with an impressive net run rate.
This will be Oman’s third T20 World Cup appearance, having earlier featured in 2016 and 2024. Their campaign showcased smart planning, effective captaincy, and strong teamwork — all crucial traits for success at the global level.
19 Teams Confirmed – Battle On for the Final Spot
With Nepal and Oman joining the list, 19 out of 20 teams for the T20 World Cup 2026 have now been confirmed. The final qualification spot remains open, with UAE, Japan, and Qatar still fighting for that last place.
As things stand, UAE hold a slight advantage with four points in four matches, but Japan and Qatar remain in contention. Their upcoming fixtures will decide who completes the 20-team lineup for next year’s tournament.
The 2026 T20 World Cup promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet. Alongside cricketing giants like India, England, Australia, Pakistan, and West Indies, emerging nations such as Nepal and Oman will look to make their mark on the global stage.
Both teams’ qualification is a proud achievement for associate cricket nations and highlights the growing competitiveness in world cricket.
