Nepal and Oman Qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup; UAE Remain in Contention

Nepal and Oman have secured qualification for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka, after results in the Asia-East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier went in their favour ahead of their Super Six clash in Al Amerat.

The qualification was confirmed after the UAE defeated Samoa by 77 runs earlier in the day. Despite the win, UAE remain in third place on the Super Six points table with four points, behind Oman and Nepal, who both lead the standings with superior net run rates.

One more team from the Asia-EAP Qualifier will join Nepal and Oman at next year’s global tournament, with the UAE still in the hunt. Their next match — a must-win encounter against Japan — is scheduled for October 16.

Nepal’s qualification was bolstered by the impressive form of wristspinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who has taken 10 wickets in four innings at an average of 9.40 and an economy rate of under 6.00. His standout performance came against Qatar, where he claimed 5 for 18 to help Nepal defend a modest total of 148.

Oman, meanwhile, have been powered by left-arm seamer Jiten Ramanandi, who has taken seven wickets in four innings at an economy rate of 5.90, making him the tournament's fourth-highest wicket-taker. Ramanandi had also made headlines in the Asia Cup earlier this year by dismissing Indian batters Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.

With Nepal and Oman already through, all eyes will be on the battle for the third and final qualification spot as the Asia-EAP Qualifier nears its conclusion.