Nepal and Oman have successfully qualified for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a tournament set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Both teams earned their coveted spots through dominant performances in the Asia/East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier tournament, which concluded in Al Amerat, Oman. This achievement underscores the growing strength of cricket in both nations.
Nepal, led by Rohit Paudel, showcased exceptional consistency, navigating the group and Super Six stages undefeated. Their qualification was confirmed in a thrilling encounter against the UAE, where they secured a narrow one-run victory. Key contributions from batter Aasif Sheikh and spinner Sandeep Lamichhane were crucial in this high-pressure match. This marks Nepal’s second consecutive T20 World Cup appearance, building on their participation in the 2024 edition and their earlier presence in 2014, demonstrating their consistent rise in international cricket.
Oman, playing on home soil, leveraged their familiarity with the conditions to display a well-rounded and disciplined performance. Captain Zeeshan Maqsood guided the team to decisive wins, maintaining a strong Net Run Rate that ensured their comfortable top-two finish in the Super Six stage. This qualification is a significant milestone for Oman, marking their third appearance in the T20 World Cup, following their previous participations in 2016 and 2024. Their steady progress in the T20 format is evident.
With Nepal and Oman securing their places, only one spot remains for the 20-team T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament will feature established cricket powerhouses alongside emerging teams, all vying for glory. For these two nations, reaching the World Cup stage is a testament to their developing cricket ecosystems, dedicated fan bases, and talented players, setting the stage for them to compete on the global T20 platform.
