Nepal and Oman qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 after strong Asia-EAP campaign
Nepal and Oman have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka after impressive performances in the Asia-EAP Qualifier, becoming the 18th and 19th teams to secure their spots.
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Nepal and Oman have officially sealed their spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming their qualification even before their Super Six meeting in Al Amerat. The two Asian sides became the 18th and 19th teams to book their tickets for the global event, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 6 to March 7, 2026.
Their qualification was confirmed after the UAE defeated Samoa by 77 runs earlier in the day, a result that ensured Nepal and Oman would finish as the top two teams in the Asia-East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier. Both sides sit level on points, separated only by net run rate, while UAE remain third and will face Japan next in a must-win fixture for the final available spot.
Nepal’s campaign has been driven by their star wristspinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who has claimed ten wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 9.40 and an economy rate under six. His match-winning spell of 5 for 18 against Qatar was crucial in defending a modest total of 148. Nepal have shown remarkable consistency and composure, winning close contests against UAE and Qatar to remain unbeaten through the group and Super Six stages.
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Nepal and Oman seal historic qualification for 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka
Oman, on the other hand, continued their fine form from previous ICC events. Led by strong performances from left-arm seamer Jiten Ramanandi, who has taken seven wickets at an economy of 5.90, Oman overcame both Qatar and UAE in tight finishes to seal qualification. The Gulf nation has now qualified for its third T20 World Cup after appearances in 2016 and 2024.
For Nepal, this marks a third qualification as well, following their earlier entries in 2014 and 2024. Both teams made first-round exits in the 2024 edition but will now look to build on that experience heading into 2026.
With one spot still up for grabs, UAE, Japan, and Qatar remain in contention. However, for Nepal and Oman, the focus now shifts to preparing for the main event, where they’ll once again share the world stage with cricket’s biggest names.
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