Nepal and Oman have officially booked their spots for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The two teams confirmed their qualification before facing each other in the Super Six leg of the Asia-East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier in Al Amerat, Oman.
The qualifying scenario was clear after the UAE’s dominant 77-run win over Samoa earlier in the day. That result ensured that Oman and Nepal would finish in the top three of the Super Six standings regardless of their upcoming match result. Although both teams are level on points, only net run rate separates them at the top. The UAE, currently third with four points, will now face Japan on October 16 in a must-win match to keep their hopes of qualifying for the third available World Cup spot alive.
Notably, Nepal has also participated in the 2014 and 2024 editions of the T20 World Cup. The Rohit Paudel-led team fought brilliantly under pressure. Their Super Six campaign included two last-over thrillers, including a narrow win over UAE and a five-run victory against Qatar.
The backbone of Nepal’s success is 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 of less than six. His 5-for-18 spell against Qatar turned the match in Nepal’s favour, leading to a collapse that sealed their place in the World Cup.
Another team from the Asia-EAP region participating in the 2026 T20 World Cup
Meanwhile, Oman featured in the 2016 and 2024 T20 World Cups. Left-arm pacer Jiten Ramanandi was among the standout bowlers of the tournament, taking seven wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 5.90. Oman’s victory over Qatar and a thrilling chase against the UAE led to their qualification.
The contribution of experienced players like Nadeem Khan, who guided Oman to a narrow win against the UAE, has played a big role in booking their spots. Now that Nepal and Oman have sealed their qualification, another 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.
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