Nepal secures T20 World Cup Spot, eyes qualifier title

KATHMANDU: Nepal has officially qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in India and Sri Lanka, after a stellar run in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier Super Six stage.

With two matches still in hand, Nepal sealed their spot in the global showpiece, boosting the team’s confidence as they now chase the qualifier title.

In a thrilling encounter on Wednesday night, Nepal defeated Oman by 38 runs, strengthening their title hopes.

With this victory, Nepal climbed to the top of the Super Six table with 8 points, while UAE and Oman follow with 6 points each.

UAE has completed its matches, while Oman will play its final game against Japan later today.

Nepal will face Samoa at 4:15 PM today in its final Super Six match. With Samoa yet to register a single point, the fixture will serve as a virtual final for Nepal.

A win would make Nepal undefeated champions with 10 points — their first-ever qualifier title after securing World Cup qualification for the third time.

Captain Rohit Paudel expressed his delight after sealing World Cup qualification. “Beating Oman fulfilled our dream of reaching the World Cup. Now, our next goal is to lift the qualifier trophy,” he said.

Title Scenarios:

• If Nepal wins: They will become undefeated champions with 10 points.

• If Nepal loses and Oman wins: The title will be decided on net run rate.

• If both Nepal and Oman lose: Nepal will be confirmed champions even before playing Samoa.

Oman and UAE have also booked their berths for the T20 World Cup, while Japan, Qatar, and Samoa have been eliminated from the race.

(Japan vs. Oman match begins at 11:45 AM today.)