The United Arab Emirates have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. They have secured their place by finishing in the top three at the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman.
UAE confirmed their qualification after a convincing win against Japan, which completed the 20–team line–up for the tournament. Nepal and Oman are the other teams to have made the cut from this zone.
Led by Muhammad Waseem, UAE played brilliantly and ended the Japan’s chances. The Japanese innings ended at 116/9 after a flurry of early wickets.Muhammad Farooq started it with a sharp, direct hit to run out Abhishek Anand. He then took a catch off the bowling of Haider Ali to send back Japan’s captain and opener Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming.
Haider bowled brilliantly to take three for 12 in four overs. The Japanese innings struggled to build momentum.
Wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi helped Japan go past 100, which looked unlikely at 74/9 in the 15th over. Miyauchi scored an unbeaten 45 off 32 balls with three fours and two sixes. He was supported by Abdul Samad in an unbroken 42-run partnership for the last wicket. Samad remained not out on 11.
In reply, UAE chased the target easily. Openers Waseem and Alishan Sharafu gave a good start and put together 36 in just three overs. Both, however, missed out on their fifties. Waseem made 42 and Sharafu 46. UAE were home in the 13th over losing just two wickets to book their place in next year’s World Cup.
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