UAE clinch spot in 2026 T20 World Cup

The UAE have booked their spot at next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after securing a top-three finish at the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman.

They join Nepal and Oman in completing the final 20-team lineup for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

The UAE sealed qualification with an eight-wicket victory over Japan on Thursday. Chasing a modest total of 116-9, Muhammad Waseem’s side won the match with 47 balls remaining.

Alishan Sharafu top-scored with 46 (27 balls) and fellow opener Waseem hit 42 off 26 balls to help set up the win.

UAE spinner Haider Ali was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-20, while Wataru Miyauchi top-scored for Japan with an unbeaten 45 (32 balls).

The result also made a top-three finish mathematically impossible for Qatar and Samoa, who were hoping for a Japanese win to keep their qualification hopes alive.