UAE crush Japan to qualify for T20 World Cup 2026
Nepal and Oman already qualified for the showpiece tournament
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have stormed into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after an emphatic eight-wicket triumph over Japan in the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, held in Al Amerat, Oman.
With this victory, the Emirati side joined Nepal and Oman, who had already secured qualification for next year’s global showpiece in India and Sri Lanka.
UAE lock in their place at next year's #T20WorldCup in India & Sri Lanka ????????????
— ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2025
To know more ???? https://t.co/RJPYa5d6ZZ pic.twitter.com/crHGViYy3O
Needing a win to seal their berth, the UAE delivered a clinical all-round performance. Electing to field first, they struck early and often. Muhammad Farooq sparked the momentum with a direct hit to run out Abhishek Anand before catching Kadowaki-Fleming off Haider Ali’s bowling.
Tight bowling spell
Japan stumbled to 25 for three inside the powerplay, struggling to recover from the fiery assault. Haider Ali was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for just 12 runs in three overs, while Muhammad Arfan added two more to keep Japan in check.
Despite the collapse, wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi played a defiant knock of 45 not out off 32 balls, supported by No.11 Abdul Samad in a 42-run stand that helped Japan post 116 for nine.
Blistering chase
In reply, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu launched a powerful counterattack. The pair raced to 70 within seven overs, hammering boundaries across the ground. Waseem’s 42 from 26 balls included eight fours, while Sharafu struck 46 from 27 with four fours and three sixes.
Their explosive start left little room for doubt, and Rahul Chopra sealed the chase with two towering sixes as the UAE wrapped up victory inside 13 overs – and with it, a ticket to the T20 World Cup 2026.
T20 World Cup 2026
The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup will be the 10th edition of the Men's T20 World Cup. It is scheduled to be hosted by Board of Control for Cricket in India and Sri Lanka Cricket from February to March 2026. India are the defending champions.