Kathmandu: Nepal has officially qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, securing its spot alongside Oman in the global tournament to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February. The qualification came two matches ahead of schedule following the UAE’s victory over Samoa in the East Asia Pacific Qualifiers in Muscat, Oman.

Early Qualification Secured

With Qatar defeating Japan by three wickets and UAE overpowering Samoa by 77 runs, both Nepal and Oman clinched their tickets to the World Cup — marking Nepal’s second consecutive qualification for the global event.

Nepal’s Dominant Win Over Oman

In the Super Six clash at the Oman Cricket Academy Turf-1, Nepal defeated the home side by 38 runs. Winning the toss, Nepal opted to bat first and posted 151 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs.
Opener Kushal Bhurtel played a match-winning knock of 69 runs off 51 balls, smashing seven fours and a six. Asif Sheikh added 24 runs, while Gulshan Jha contributed 18 runs. Oman’s Nadeem Khan was the standout bowler, taking four wickets.

Bowlers Seal the Victory

In reply, Oman could only manage 113 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs. Binayak Shumla scored 32 and Mohammad Nadeem added 25, but Nepal’s bowlers dominated throughout. Gulshan Jha shone with an all-round performance, claiming three wickets, while Nandan Yadav and Sompal Kami took two each, and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up one.

Path to the Title

With this win, Nepal tops the Super Six points table with eight points and remains a strong contender for the qualifier title. Having already secured World Cup qualification, Nepal will now face Samoa in its final Super Six match on Friday.