Nepal and Oman have successfully navigated the Asia/East Asia Pacific (Asia-EAP) Qualifier tournament, securing their coveted spots in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament, hosted in Al Amerat, Oman, saw these two nations showcase superior cricketing prowess to earn their passage to the global event, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Nepal’s men’s cricket team, captained by Rohit Paudel, delivered a flawless performance throughout the qualifiers. They maintained an undefeated record from the initial stages through to the Super Six round. Their qualification was confirmed in a tense match against the UAE, ending in a thrilling one-run victory that highlighted their resilience. Key players like Aasif Sheikh and Sandeep Lamichhane were instrumental in securing this crucial win. This achievement marks Nepal’s third T20 World Cup appearance, following their stints in 2014 and 2024, underscoring their growing prominence.
Oman, leveraging the advantage of playing on home soil, displayed a comprehensive and tactically astute campaign. Under the leadership of Zeeshan Maqsood, the team secured convincing victories and maintained an impressive Net Run Rate, ensuring their second-place finish in the Super Six standings. This qualification signifies Oman’s third appearance at the T20 World Cup, having previously featured in 2016 and 2024, a testament to their consistent progress in international cricket.
With Nepal and Oman now confirmed, only one qualification spot remains for the expanded 20-team T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament is expected to be a showcase of global cricket talent, featuring established powerhouses and ambitious emerging teams. For both Nepal and Oman, this qualification represents a significant milestone, acknowledging their advancements in cricket infrastructure, dedicated fan engagement, and the development of skilled cricketers ready to compete at the highest level.