The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have booked the final qualification berth for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, sealing a top-three finish at the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman.
With their emphatic victory over Japan on Thursday, UAE joined Nepal and hosts Oman to round off the 20-team field for next year’s tournament, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Dominant Display Ends Japan’s Campaign
Led by captain Muhammad Waseem, the UAE produced a commanding all-round performance to crush Japan by eight wickets at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground. The result not only ended Japan’s qualification hopes but also extinguished the faint chances of Qatar and Samoa, who had been relying on a Japanese win to stay alive in the race.
Haider Ali Leads Uae’s Bowling Charge
UAE’s bowlers set the tone from the outset, with Haider Ali starring in a sharp opening burst. His figures of 3-12 from three overs dismantled Japan’s top order, reducing them to 25/3 in the powerplay.
Despite a spirited late fightback from wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi, who struck an unbeaten 45 off 32 balls in his first appearance of the tournament, Japan could muster only 116/9. Miyauchi’s defiance, aided by No. 11 Abdul Samad in a 42-run stand, offered brief resistance but proved too little, too late.
Waseem And Sharafu Seal The Chase In Style
In reply, the UAE came out firing. Openers Muhammad Waseem (42 off 26) and Alishan Sharafu (46 off 27) put on a blazing 36-run stand inside the first three overs, effectively crushing any Japanese hopes of an upset.
Though both fell before the finish line, the UAE coasted home in the 13th over, confirming their third appearance in a Men’s T20 World Cup.
Back On The World Stage
The UAE last featured at the 2022 edition in Australia, where they exited in the group stage. Their lone win in that campaign — a memorable seven-run triumph over Namibia in Geelong — remains a proud moment in their cricketing journey.
Now, with qualification secured, Waseem’s men will aim to build on that legacy when they take on the world’s best in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.
