The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature strong contingents from Nepal and Oman. Both teams have earned their qualification by topping their respective categories in the Asia/East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier tournament, held in Al Amerat, Oman. Their successful campaigns underscore a period of significant advancement for cricket in both countries.
Nepal’s journey was characterized by an unbroken streak of victories through the group stage and the Super Six round. Captain Rohit Paudel’s team demonstrated exceptional performance under pressure, ultimately clinching qualification with a nail-biting one-run triumph over the UAE. Aasif Sheikh’s batting prowess and Sandeep Lamichhane’s effective spin bowling were instrumental in their success. This marks Nepal’s third participation in the T20 World Cup, having previously appeared in 2014 and 2024, solidifying their status as a competitive associate nation.
Oman, performing admirably on home turf, utilized their understanding of local conditions to their advantage. The squad, under skipper Zeeshan Maqsood, delivered a series of dominant performances, underpinned by strategic planning and strong execution. Their consistent wins and a healthy Net Run Rate secured their position in the top two of the Super Six, guaranteeing their spot in the 2026 World Cup. This is Oman’s third T20 World Cup appearance, adding to their 2016 and 2024 campaigns and reflecting their sustained development in the sport.
With the qualification of Nepal and Oman, the field for the 20-team T20 World Cup 2026 is nearly complete, with just one remaining slot to be decided. The upcoming tournament is anticipated to be a grand spectacle, featuring the world’s top cricketing nations. For Nepal and Oman, this qualification is a major sporting achievement, reflecting their dedication to cricket development, passionate fan support, and the emergence of talented players ready to compete on the world stage.
