The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully claimed the last available qualification spot for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men`s T20 World Cup. This achievement came after their impressive performance at the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held in Oman, where they secured a top-three position. Following a decisive victory over Japan on Thursday, the UAE now joins Nepal and host nation Oman, completing the roster of 20 teams set to compete in next year`s premier T20 event, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The squad, led by Muhammad Waseem, delivered a commanding eight-wicket win at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground, effectively ending Japan`s, Qatar`s, and Samoa`s chances of qualification.
The UAE`s strong start in the field significantly hampered Japan`s innings from the outset, restricting them to a mere 25 runs for three wickets during the Powerplay. Japan struggled to recover from this early setback, although wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi, playing his first match of the tournament at number nine, provided some resistance. His unbeaten knock of 45 runs from 32 balls, alongside a valuable 42-run partnership with number eleven Abdul Samad, helped Japan reach a total of 116 for nine wickets.
On the bowling front for the UAE, Haider Ali was exceptional, taking three wickets for just 12 runs in his three overs. The UAE`s chase began aggressively, with openers Waseem and Alishan Sharafu quickly accumulating 36 runs without loss within the first three overs.
Despite the dismissals of Waseem (who scored a quickfire 42 off 26 balls) and Sharafu (who contributed 46 off 27 deliveries), the UAE efficiently completed their target in the 13th over. This swift victory sealed their qualification for the World Cup, prompting jubilant celebrations in Muscat.
This qualification marks the United Arab Emirates` third appearance in the Men`s T20 World Cup. Their previous participation was in 2022, where they were eliminated in the group stage held in Australia, achieving a notable seven-run win against Namibia in Geelong.
