Nepal, Oman confirm qualification for T20 World Cup 2026

Published - 15 Oct 2025, 22:08 IST | Updated - 15 Oct 2025, 22:22 IST

Nepal and Oman have officially booked their spot at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The two teams confirmed their qualification even before facing each other in the Super Six stage of the Asia-East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier in Al Amerat, Oman.

The qualification scenario was clear after the UAE’s dominant 77-run win over Samoa earlier in the day. That result ensured Oman and Nepal would finish in the top three of the Super Six standings, regardless of their upcoming match result. While both teams are level on points, only the net run rate separates them at the top. UAE, currently third with four points, will now face Japan on October 16 in a must-win contest to keep their qualification hopes alive for the third available World Cup spot.

Notably, Nepal has also participated in the 2014 and 2024 editions of the T20 World Cup. The Rohit Paudel-led team has shown brilliant fight under pressure. Their Super Six campaign included two last-over thrillers, including a narrow victory over the UAE and a five-run win against Qatar.

The backbone of Nepal’s success has been star wrist-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who has once again shown his brilliance. Lamichhane has taken 10 wickets in four innings at an average of 9.40 and an economy rate below six. His spell of 5 for 18 against Qatar turned the game in Nepal’s favour, triggering a collapse that sealed their place in the World Cup.

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Meanwhile, Oman has featured in the 2016 and 2024 T20 World Cups. Left-arm pacer Jiten Ramanandi has been among the standout bowlers of the tournament, with seven wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 5.90. Oman’s victory over Qatar and a tense chase against the UAE led to their qualification.

The contribution of experienced players such as Nadeem Khan, who guided Oman to a close win against the UAE, has been instrumental in booking their slot. With Nepal and Oman sealing their qualification, one more team from the Asia-EAP region will join them in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which runs from February 6 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.