Nepal and Oman have officially secured their spots in the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Their qualification was confirmed even before their Super Six clash in Al Amerat during the Asia-EAP Qualifier. One more team from this tournament will join them in next year’s global event.
The decisive moment came earlier in the day when UAE defeated Samoa by 77 runs, ensuring that neither Nepal nor Oman could be overtaken in the standings. UAE currently sit third on the Super Six points table with four points, while Nepal and Oman lead the table, separated only by net run rate. UAE’s upcoming match against Japan on October 16 will determine the final qualifier from the region.
For Nepal, wristspinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been instrumental in their qualification campaign. The legspinner has taken ten wickets in four innings at a remarkable average of 9.40 and an economy rate of under six. His standout spell of 5 for 18 helped Nepal defend a modest total of 148 against Qatar, dismissing them for 142. Lamichhane’s control and consistency have once again highlighted his importance to Nepal’s bowling unit.
Oman’s success has been built on disciplined bowling, led by left-arm seamer Jiten Ramanandi. He is currently the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming seven wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 5.90. Ramanandi also impressed earlier in the Asia Cup, where he dismissed Indian batters Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.
With both teams confirming their qualification, Nepal and Oman will now aim to finish the Asia-EAP Qualifier on a high as they prepare for their return to cricket’s biggest T20 stage in 2026.
