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UAE Crushes Japan: Clinching 2026 T20 World Cup Qualification Amid Drama

The United Arab Emirates have secured their spot in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup with a commanding eight-wicket win over Japan in Muscat. Their clinical performance not only eliminated Japan but also dashed the hopes of Qatar and Samoa in the qualification tournament. Led by Muhammad Waseem's batting and Haider Ali's exceptional bowling, UAE demonstrated their prowess on the cricket field. This will be the UAE's third appearance in the T20 World Cup, marking another milestone in their cricket journey.

Key Points: UAE Seal T20 World Cup 2026 Spot with Dominant Win over Japan

  • Haider Ali's brilliant 3-12 bowling spell was crucial in the victory
  • Muhammad Waseem scored 42 off 26 balls to lead the chase
  • UAE joins Nepal and Oman in World Cup qualification
  • Wataru Miyauchi's late 45 not out couldn't save Japan
2 min read

UAE seal final spot for 2026 Men's T20 World Cup with win over Japan

UAE clinches final 2026 T20 World Cup berth with clinical victory against Japan in Muscat qualifier

"A memorable performance that secures our World Cup dreams - Muhammad Waseem (Team Captain)"

Muscat, Oct 16

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have clinched the final qualification berth for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup by securing a top-three finish at the ongoing Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman.

With their victory over Japan on Thursday, UAE have joined Nepal and hosts Oman to complete the 20-team lineup for next year's global tournament in the shortest format, to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Muhammad Waseem's side delivered a clinical performance to eliminate Japan from qualifying contention with an eight-wicket win at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground. Their thumping victory also dashed the hopes of Qatar and Samoa, who needed a Japanese win to stay in the race for playing in the mega event.

UAE's fielding set the tone early, as Japan stumbled to 25/3 in the powerplay and never fully recovered, despite a late rally led by wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi. Playing his first match of the tournament and coming at number nine, Miyauchi struck an unbeaten 45 off 32 balls, and was supported by number eleven Abdul Samad in a 42-run stand that lifted Japan to 116/9.

For the UAE, Haider Ali starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-12 from three overs. UAE's chase began with intent, as Waseem and Alishan Sharafu powered the side to 36/0 within three overs.

Though the pair fell after brisk contributions - Waseem scoring 42 off 26 balls and Sharafu making 46 off 27 deliveries, the UAE wrapped up the chase in the 13th over to seal their World Cup spot and spark celebrations in Muscat.

The UAE will now be playing in a Men's T20 World Cup for just the third time. They last featured in the mega event in 2022, when they exited in the group stage in Australia. Their sole win in that tournament came through a memorable seven-run victory over Namibia in Geelong.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Haider Ali's bowling figures of 3-12 are impressive! UAE's fielding really set the tone. Looking forward to watching them play in India next year. Associate nations are really improving their game.
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Arjun K
Wataru Miyauchi's 45* at number nine shows real fighting spirit! Even in defeat, Japan put up a good fight. Cricket is truly becoming global. Can't wait for the World Cup in our backyard! 🎯
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Sarah B
While I'm happy for UAE, I feel the qualification process could be more inclusive. Countries like Japan and Qatar are putting in so much effort and deserve more opportunities to grow cricket in their regions.
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Vikram M
UAE chased down 117 in just 13 overs! That's some dominant batting by Waseem and Sharafu. Good to see associate nations playing such aggressive cricket. The World Cup in India is going to be lit! 🔥
K
Kavya N
As someone who follows cricket closely, I'm impressed by how UAE has developed their cricket infrastructure. Many Indian coaches and players have contributed to their growth. Deserving qualification! 🙌

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