Kathmandu: Nepal have officially secured their place in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup finals with two games to spare, after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Samoa in the Super Six stage of the Asia and EAP Qualifiers on Wednesday.

Nepal’s qualification was confirmed for the second consecutive time—and third overall—following UAE’s commanding 77-run victory over Samoa.

Nepal made their maiden appearance in the T20 World Cup in 2014 and returned to the global stage in 2024.

Had Samoa triumphed over the UAE, Nepal would have needed at least one win from their remaining two matches to seal qualification.

The result also ensured Oman’s progression to the finals. In another Super Six clash on Wednesday, Qatar edged past Japan by three wickets.

Both Nepal and Oman are unbeaten in the Qualifiers, each collecting six points in the Super Six stage. They currently occupy the top two positions on the table, separated only by net run rate, and are set to face each other later this evening.

The UAE sit third with four points, having completed all four of their Super Six matches while Japan and Qatar each have two points. One of the two sides—UAE or Japan—will claim the third and final qualification spot, depending on the outcome of their upcoming head-to-head fixture.

Nepal will play their final Super Six match against Samoa on Friday.

The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.