Nepal and Oman have officially secured their places in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Both teams achieved this milestone through impressive displays at the Asia/East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier held in Al Amerat, Oman.
Nepal’s campaign was a masterclass in consistency and resilience. The Rohit Paudel-led squad maintained an unbeaten record throughout the tournament’s initial phases and the Super Six stage. Their qualification was clinched in dramatic fashion with a narrow one-run victory over the United Arab Emirates, showcasing their ability to handle high-pressure situations. The crucial contributions of Aasif Sheikh with the bat and Sandeep Lamichhane with the ball were key to Nepal booking their ticket to back-to-back T20 World Cups, having also featured in the 2024 edition.
This marks Nepal’s third participation in the T20 World Cup, following their appearances in 2014 and 2024. Their steady rise in international cricket has been a major talking point and has significantly amplified cricket’s appeal in their home country.
Oman, capitalizing on familiar home conditions, exhibited strong all-round performances and strategic planning. Under the captaincy of Zeeshan Maqsood, Oman secured dominant victories and maintained a healthy Net Run Rate, comfortably finishing within the top two of the Super Six. This qualification is Oman’s third T20 World Cup appearance, building on their previous entries in 2016 and 2024, and signifies their ongoing development in the T20 arena.
With Nepal and Oman confirmed participants, 19 of the 20 teams are now set for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with one final qualification spot to be decided.
The tournament will feature top cricketing nations alongside aspiring teams, promising exciting contests. For Nepal and Oman, this qualification is a testament to their developing cricket ecosystems, dedicated fan support, and the emergence of talented players.