The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will feature both Nepal and Oman, as both cricketing nations successfully navigated their way through the Asia/East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier. The tournament is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Oman hosted the crucial qualifying event in Al Amerat.
Nepal, under the leadership of Rohit Paudel, delivered a commanding performance throughout the qualifiers. They remained undefeated through the group stages and the Super Six round, demonstrating remarkable composure. Their qualification was confirmed by a tense one-run triumph against the UAE in a closely fought contest. The stellar batting of Aasif Sheikh and the effective spin bowling of Sandeep Lamichhane were pivotal in Nepal’s successful campaign, securing their spot in consecutive T20 World Cups after the 2024 edition.
This will be Nepal’s third appearance in the T20 World Cup, following their previous participations in 2014 and 2024. Their growing stature in international cricket is evident, and their success has further energized their widespread following.
Oman, the host nation, capitalized on their home advantage, displaying a strong all-round game and astute tactical decisions. Led by Zeeshan Maqsood, Oman registered convincing victories and achieved a strong Net Run Rate, which secured their position in the top two of the Super Six standings. This qualification marks Oman’s third T20 World Cup entry, after 2016 and 2024, highlighting their consistent progress in associate cricket.
With Nepal and Oman now confirmed, the list of qualified teams for the 20-nation T20 World Cup 2026 stands at 19, leaving one remaining qualification slot.
The global showpiece event will see traditional powerhouses compete against emerging cricketing nations. For Nepal and Oman, reaching this stage is a significant achievement, reflecting their dedication to developing the sport and nurturing talent.
