Nepal and Oman Qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup | UAE and JAP racing for Spot

15 October 2025 – Nepal and Oman have officially secured their places in the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The qualification came even before their Super Six clash in Al Amerat during the Asia-EAP Qualifier.

The two teams confirmed qualification after the UAE defeated Samoa by 77 runs earlier in the day. The win meant UAE reached four points on the Super Six table, but both Oman and Nepal had already done enough to qualify, sitting on top with better records. Only net run rate currently separates the two leaders.

UAE in Strong Position to Join Them

UAE remains in contention for the third qualification spot and will play a crucial fixture against Japan on 16 October. A win in that game could seal their passage to the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will feature 20 teams in total.

Key Performers

Nepal’s qualification has been powered by their star wristspinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who has taken 10 wickets in four innings at an impressive average of 9.40 and an economy rate of under six. His standout performance came with figures of 5 for 18 in a crucial game against Qatar, helping Nepal defend 148 by bowling out the opposition for 142.

For Oman, left-arm seamer Jiten Ramanandi has been equally influential. He sits fourth on the tournament’s wicket-taking list with 7 wickets in four innings and an economy rate of 5.90. Ramanandi had earlier made headlines during the Asia Cup when he dismissed India’s Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.

Also Read: Six Indian Shooters Begin Trap Campaign at ISSF Athens 2025

Super Six Standings (as of 15 October 2025)

• Nepal – 1st (Net Run Rate advantage)
• Oman – 2nd (Equal points with Nepal)
• UAE – 3rd (4 points)

Remaining Fixtures (in IST)

• 15 October, 20:30 IST: Oman vs Nepal
• 16 October, 16:00 IST: United Arab Emirates vs Japan
• 16 October, 20:30 IST: Qatar vs Samoa
• 17 October, 11:30 IST: Japan vs Oman
• 17 October, 16:00 IST: Samoa vs Nepal

Road to the 2026 T20 World Cup

The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The expanded 20-team format gives more Associate Nations a chance to feature on the global stage. For both Nepal and Oman, it will be another opportunity to test their progress against the world’s top cricketing nations.

With strong domestic structures and passionate fanbases, both sides have steadily risen in the T20 format. Nepal’s continued success, especially through players like Lamichhane, and Oman’s growing consistency make them exciting teams to watch in the coming years.

What’s Next

While Nepal and Oman celebrate their qualification, the focus now shifts to the remaining Super Six fixtures. The UAE will look to confirm their place, while Japan, Qatar, and Samoa will aim to finish their campaigns on a high.

References

• ICC Asia-EAP Qualifier official updates (October 2025)
• Match reports from Al Amerat Cricket Ground
• Player statistics from ICC T20 Qualifier records

Also Read: Oman vs Nepal (OMN vs NEP) Dream11, Vision11, Match Prediction

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