Nepal and Oman have officially earned their tickets to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Their qualification was a direct result of stellar campaigns in the recent Asia/East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier held in Al Amerat, Oman.
Nepal’s journey was marked by unwavering determination and consistent performance. The squad, guided by Rohit Paudel, navigated through the tournament without a loss, maintaining their momentum from the initial stages through to the Super Six round. A nail-biting one-run victory over the UAE was the decisive moment that sealed their qualification. Standout contributions from Aasif Sheikh and Sandeep Lamichhane were crucial in ensuring Nepal’s berth in back-to-back T20 World Cups, following their participation in the 2024 event.
This achievement marks Nepal’s third overall appearance in the premier T20 international tournament, adding to their history in 2014 and 2024. The team’s upward trajectory has significantly boosted cricket’s popularity within the nation.
Playing on their home turf, Oman proved formidable. They showcased a balanced team performance and sharp tactical play. Captained by Zeeshan Maqsood, Oman secured comfortable wins and boasted a superior Net Run Rate, which guaranteed them a top-two finish in the Super Six stage. This marks Oman’s third appearance at the T20 World Cup, having previously competed in 2016 and 2024, a clear indicator of their sustained growth in the shortest format of the game.
As Nepal and Oman secure their places, the field for the 20-team T20 World Cup 2026 is nearly complete, with just one spot remaining to be filled.
The tournament promises an exciting blend of established cricketing giants like India and Australia, and ambitious newer nations. For both Nepal and Oman, this qualification is a significant milestone, reflecting their advancing cricket programs, passionate supporters, and developing player base.