Cricket enthusiasts in Nepal and Oman are celebrating as both nations have successfully qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Their qualification was confirmed following dominant performances in the Asia/East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier, which took place in Al Amerat, Oman.
Nepal showcased remarkable consistency throughout the competition. Led by Rohit Paudel, the team maintained an unbeaten streak across the group and Super Six stages. Their ticket to the global event was punched with a thrilling one-run victory against the UAE, a testament to their ability to perform under immense pressure. Key players like batter Aasif Sheikh and spinner Sandeep Lamichhane were instrumental in securing this achievement, marking Nepal’s second consecutive T20 World Cup appearance after their participation in the 2024 edition.
This will be Nepal’s third appearance in the T20 World Cup, building on their previous entries in 2014 and 2024. The team’s recent ascent signals a growing influence in international cricket and has further galvanized their passionate fanbase.
Oman, playing on home soil, leveraged their familiarity with the conditions to their advantage. The team displayed robust all-round capabilities and strategic acumen. Under Zeeshan Maqsood’s captaincy, Oman recorded decisive wins and maintained a strong Net Run Rate, comfortably securing one of the top two positions in the Super Six round. This qualification is Oman’s third T20 World Cup berth, following their appearances in 2016 and 2024, underscoring their consistent development in the T20 format.
With Nepal and Oman now confirmed, 19 of the 20 participating teams have secured their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Only one qualification spot remains up for grabs.
The upcoming tournament will feature established powerhouses such as India, England, Australia, and the West Indies, alongside emerging cricketing nations aiming to make a significant impact. For Nepal and Oman, this qualification represents a significant sporting accomplishment and reflects the progress in their cricket infrastructure, dedicated fan bases, and emerging talent.
