In a historic moment for associate cricket, Nepal and Oman have officially booked their tickets to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The qualification was confirmed following a pivotal result in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier tournament, where the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Samoa—locking Nepal and Oman into the top two spots of the Super Six stage.
Both teams had been neck-and-neck throughout the qualifiers, separated only by net run rate. But with UAE’s victory over Samoa, they were mathematically guaranteed to finish no higher than third—clearing the path for Nepal and Oman to advance as the two representatives from this regional pathway.
While UAE didn’t qualify, their dominant performance against Samoa proved decisive for the broader standings. The win ensured that UAE finished third in the Super Six group—just behind Nepal and Oman—but crucially, it eliminated any chance of a late surge by other teams.
For Nepal and Oman, the result meant they could celebrate without needing to play another ball. Social media erupted almost instantly, with fans from Kathmandu to Muscat flooding platforms with national flags, celebratory posts, and messages of pride for their cricketing heroes.
| Rank | Team | Points | Net Run Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oman | 8 | +1.24 | Qualified |
| 2 | Nepal | 8 | +0.97 | Qualified |
| 3 | UAE | 6 | +0.42 | Eliminated |
The 2026 edition will mark the first time the T20 World Cup is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the inclusion of Nepal and Oman adds a fresh dynamic to the tournament. Nepal, known for its passionate fanbase and rapid rise in global cricket, will be making its second T20 World Cup appearance after a memorable debut in 2024. Oman, meanwhile, returns to the big stage after last featuring in 2021.
Both nations have invested heavily in grassroots development and domestic T20 leagues in recent years. Their qualification is seen as a validation of those efforts—and a sign that the gap between Full Members and top Associate nations is narrowing.
With 20 teams expected to compete in 2026 (up from 16 in 2024), the expanded format gives more opportunities for emerging cricketing nations to shine on the global stage.
In Nepal, spontaneous street celebrations broke out in Kathmandu, with fans waving flags and chanting the names of star players like Sandeep Lamichhane and Kushal Bhurtel. Local businesses offered free momos and soft drinks to fans gathered near cricket academies.
In Oman, the Cricket Association issued a formal statement calling the qualification “a milestone in our cricketing journey.” The team is expected to receive a hero’s welcome upon their return to Muscat.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice praised the achievement: “Nepal and Oman have shown resilience, skill, and spirit. Their qualification enriches the global T20 World Cup and inspires millions of young cricketers across Asia.”
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