Nepal and Oman have officially punched their tickets to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following stellar performances in the Asia/East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier held in Oman. Both teams displayed the skill and grit necessary to compete on the global stage.
Nepal’s consistent excellence under Rohit Paudel’s leadership saw them through the qualifying rounds undefeated. Their qualification was confirmed in a nail-biting finish, narrowly defeating the UAE by one run. This victory, bolstered by crucial contributions from Aasif Sheikh and Sandeep Lamichhane, ensures Nepal’s participation in their third T20 World Cup, and second consecutive appearance.
Hosts Oman proved formidable, capitalizing on familiar conditions to secure their qualification. Guided by Zeeshan Maqsood, the team showcased balanced performances throughout the Super Six stage, maintaining a strong Net Run Rate that guaranteed their top-two finish. This will be Oman’s third appearance in the tournament, having previously featured in 2016 and 2024.
With Nepal and Oman securing their berths, only one qualification spot remains for the expanded 20-team T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This event promises to highlight the growing global reach of T20 cricket.