UAE seal T20 World Cup 2026 berth after beating Japan:Become 20th team to qualify for event in India; Nepal, Oman, Italy already through

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially booked its place in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, becoming the 20th team to qualify for the mega event. UAE sealed their spot after defeating Japan by 8 wickets in the East Asia Pacific Qualifier match held at Al Amerat Stadium in Oman on Thursday. Batting first, Japan struggled to put up a competitive total, managing only 116 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, the UAE chased down the target comfortably in just 12.1 overs with 8 wickets in hand, putting up a dominant performance that confirmed their ticket to the World Cup. This win also made the UAE the third and final team from the East Asia Pacific Qualifier to secure a spot in the global tournament, joining Nepal and Oman, who had already qualified earlier in the week. Japan struggle after early collapse Japan’s batting line-up failed to build partnerships after losing early wickets. At one stage, they were reeling at 58 for 8, before wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi played a fighting innings of 45 not out to guide his team past 100. Isam Rahman also chipped in with 23 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup fell cheaply. Also read: Abhishek Sharma, Smriti Mandhana crowned ICC Player of the Month: ICC award left-handers for Asia Cup Women’s ODI World Cup brilliance UAE’s bowlers dominated from the start. Haider Ali was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs, while Mohammad Irfan claimed 2 wickets. Junaid Siddiqui, Dhruv Parashar, and Zahid Ali picked up one wicket each. UAE batters finish the job in style Chasing 117, UAE got off to a flying start with Alishan Sharafu and captain Mohammad Waseem putting on a 70-run opening partnership. Waseem scored 42 runs off 26 balls, while Sharafu added 46 runs before both were dismissed. Mayank Kumar and wicketkeeper Rahul Chopra then guided the team home comfortably in the 13th over. However, for Japan, Ibrahim Takahashi and Declan Suzuki-McComb managed one wicket each. Also read: Kohli, Rohit return to nets as India begin Perth training: Veteran duo practice in Perth, India begin preparations for 3-match ODI series Full list of qualified teams – 20 Teams qualified for the ICC tournament The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams. India and Sri Lanka have qualified automatically as hosts. Other confirmed teams include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman, and now the UAE. India, the defending champions, lifted the 2024 title by defeating South Africa in the final. Along with India, the West Indies and England have won two titles each, while Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia have one each. The 2026 edition promises to be the biggest yet, with 20 teams set to compete for global glory.