Excitement is brewing for cricket fans as Nepal and Oman have officially secured their berths for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Their passage to the global stage was confirmed following outstanding campaigns in the Asia/East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier held in Al Amerat, Oman.
Nepal’s national team, under the captaincy of Rohit Paudel, displayed remarkable resilience and skill, going through the qualifiers without a single loss. Their ticket to the 2026 tournament was punched after a dramatic one-run win against the UAE, a testament to their mental fortitude. Standout performances from Aasif Sheikh and Sandeep Lamichhane were pivotal. This achievement signifies Nepal’s third appearance in the T20 World Cup, following their participation in 2014 and the recent 2024 edition, showcasing their increasing influence in the sport.
Oman, the host nation for the qualifiers, made the most of their home advantage. Led by Zeeshan Maqsood, the team exhibited exceptional all-round capabilities and strategic acumen. They secured comfortable victories throughout the tournament, maintaining a superior Net Run Rate to secure a top-two finish in the Super Six phase. This qualification marks Oman’s third T20 World Cup journey, having previously competed in 2016 and 2024, highlighting their consistent growth in the T20 format.
As Nepal and Oman celebrate their qualification, 19 of the 20 participating teams are now confirmed for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The tournament promises a blend of established cricketing giants and ambitious rising nations. For both Nepal and Oman, this qualification is a significant recognition of their investment in cricket development, the passion of their supporters, and the emerging talent within their ranks, preparing them for a major global competition.