Nepal Qualifies for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Nepal has qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup. In the Asia and East Asia Pacific Qualifiers in Oman, Nepal clinched a spot after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Samoa by 77 runs on Wednesday.
This is Nepal’s third appearance at a T20 World Cup. Nepal previously played in the 2014 and 2024 editions and has now qualified for the tournament for the second consecutive time. Nepal will compete at the T20 World Cup in 2026, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Oman Also Through; One More Slot Between UAE and Japan
Along with Nepal, the host nation Oman has also qualified. Both Nepal and Oman secured World Cup spots with two matches remaining.
Chasing the UAE’s target of 226, Samoa finished at 148/8 in 20 overs. One of the UAE or Japan will claim the remaining qualifying berth.
Nepal’s Remaining Super Six Matches
Nepal faces Oman today in the Super Six. The final Super Six match for Nepal is against Samoa on Friday.
Super Six Standings (Points)
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Oman: 6 points (1st)
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Nepal: 6 points (2nd)
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UAE: 4 points
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Qatar: 2 points (4 matches played)
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Japan: 2 points (3 matches played)
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Samoa: 0 points (3 matches played)
UAE will play Japan in the final round of Super Six fixtures.
Third World Cup for Nepal; Second in a Row
Nepal has qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the second consecutive time. Overall, this will be Nepal’s third T20 World Cup appearance after 2014 and 2024.
In 2014, Nepal qualified under the captaincy of Paras Khadka. A decade later, Nepal qualified again under Rohit Paudel—who also leads the current squad—making Paudel the most successful captain in Nepali cricket to date.
How Qualification Was Sealed in Oman
On Wednesday in Oman, UAE beat Samoa by 77 runs, and Qatar defeated Japan by three wickets. With those results, Oman and Nepal—then occupying the top two positions—confirmed their World Cup places. Nepal’s final Super Six fixture is scheduled against Samoa.
As a result, 19 of the 20 World Cup teams are now confirmed. This will be Oman’s fourth T20 World Cup after appearances in 2016, 2021, and 2024.
Following their win over Samoa, UAE moved to four points from four matches. Qatar (four matches) and Japan (three matches) have two points each, while Samoa has none from three matches. From the Super Six, one among UAE, Japan, and Qatar will also qualify.
CAN President on Pride and Responsibility
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) President Chatur Bahadur Chand called back-to-back qualification a matter of national pride.
He also acknowledged the growing challenge that comes with qualification.
“Qualifying for the World Cup is not just joy; it’s a proud moment,” he said. “At a time when the country faces difficulties, cricket has brought everyone together. Having the World Cup in a neighboring country brings added delight. This result is due to the players’ hard work. Now we must boost the team’s morale because qualification also brings greater challenges.”
Opportunity to Face Major Nations
The World Cup schedule has not yet been released. However, Nepal is certain to face some ICC Full Members in the group stage, as groups typically include both Full and Associate Members.
Nepal has already played South Africa and Bangladesh at a World Cup. In the Asia Cup, Nepal has faced India and Pakistan. Nepal also recorded a historic T20I series win against the West Indies.
According to CAN President Chand, Nepal plans to play warm-up matches against Test nations before the World Cup. “Test nations have expressed readiness for practice games after Nepal’s qualification,” he noted. “We will proceed based on their commitment.”
Sompal Kami’s Bid for a Third World Cup
All-rounder Sompal Kami is poised to feature in his third T20 World Cup for Nepal. He debuted at the 2014 World Cup as a young player with limited opportunities. Now 29, Kami is among the most experienced members of the current squad and the senior-most among Nepal’s qualifiers.
Several of his 2014 teammates have moved on from international cricket:
Vinod Bhandari plays domestic leagues, former captain Paras Khadka now serves as CAN’s Secretary, and then-vice-captain Gyanendra Malla is currently Nepal’s assistant coach.
Nepal at the 2014 T20 World Cup
Under captain Paras Khadka, Nepal played its first T20 World Cup in 2014. Khadka now serves as Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal.
Nepal won two of three group matches but missed the next round by a narrow net run rate margin.
In Bangladesh, Nepal debuted with a landmark win over Hong Kong by 80 runs—vice-captain Gyanendra Malla top-scored with 48.
Nepal then lost to the hosts by eight wickets before defeating Afghanistan by nine runs in a thrilling finish.
Nepal at the 2024 T20 World Cup
In the 2024 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, Nepal exited at the group stage. However, Nepal’s narrow one-run loss to Test nation South Africa drew global attention for its quality.
Placed in Group D, Nepal lost three of four completed matches: Netherlands by six wickets, South Africa by one run, and Bangladesh by 21 runs. The match against Sri Lanka, another Test nation, was washed out due to rain.
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