At the current Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured a top-three finish, guaranteeing them the final qualifying spot for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. After defeating Japan, the UAE joined Nepal and the host nation of Oman to complete the 20-team roster for the shortest format global championship that will take place in India and Sri Lanka the following year. Muhammad Waseem’s team won by eight wickets at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground, putting Japan out of the running for qualification.
The aspirations of Qatar and Samoa, who required a Japanese victory to remain in the running to compete in the big event, were also crushed by their crushing victory. Japan struggled to 25/3 in the powerplay and never really recovered, even though wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi led a late revival. The UAE’s fielding set the tone early. Miyauchi, who started the tournament at number nine, hit an undefeated forty-five off thirty-two balls. He was helped by number eleven Abdul Samad in a 42-run partnership that helped Japan reach 116/9.
Haider Ali, who finished with figures of 3-12 from three overs, was the UAE’s standout batsman. Waseem and Alishan Sharafu led the UAE to 36/0 in three overs as the chase got underway with purpose. The UAE completed the chase in the 13th over to guarantee their World Cup spot and ignite celebrations in Muscat, despite the fact that both players fell after strong performances, with Waseem scoring 42 off 26 balls and Sharafu striking 46 off 27 deliveries. This will be the third time the UAE has participated in a Men’s T20 World Cup. They defeated Namibia by a remarkable seven runs in Geelong, which was their only victory in that competition.
