The 20th team to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 has been decided. The tournament will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka next year in February and March. The UAE defeated Japan to earn the distinction of becoming the 20th team to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Sports News: All 20 teams for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka next year, have been decided. In an exciting qualifier match, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) defeated Japan to secure their spot as the 20th team in the tournament. With this victory, Japan's dream of playing in the World Cup was shattered.
UAE's Resounding Victory in Qualifiers
In a crucial match of the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2025, hosted by Oman, the UAE delivered a superb performance. Batting first, Japan scored 100 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, the UAE chased down the target in just the 13th over, registering an easy win. With this victory, the UAE secured their spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Nepal and Oman had already qualified for the T20 World Cup through this tournament. With the inclusion of the UAE, this qualification round has now concluded, and all 20 teams for the T20 World Cup 2026 have been decided.
Japan's Innings: Early Setbacks Dented Their Hopes
Japan's dream of reaching the World Cup was broken by their weak batting performance. Batting first, the team faltered from the start. Captain Kendel Fleming was dismissed for just 4 runs by Haider Ali. Abhishek Anand added 10 runs but was run out, after which a collapse of wickets began.
By the 12th over, Japan had lost 8 wickets for 56 runs. However, lower-order batsman Wataru Miyauchi showed resilience, scoring an unbeaten 45 runs off 32 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes. He formed a crucial 44-run partnership for the last wicket with Abdul Samad (11 runs not out), helping the team reach a respectable total.
UAE's Excellent Bowling Performance
From the outset, UAE's bowlers did not allow Japan's batsmen to play freely. Haider Ali took 3 wickets for just 20 runs in 4 overs. Muhammad Irfan claimed 2 wickets, while other bowlers maintained control over the run rate with tight bowling. Only three batsmen in Japan's innings managed to reach double figures, highlighting the strength of UAE's bowling attack.
In reply, the UAE got off to a fantastic start chasing the target. The opening pair of captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu added 66 runs in the powerplay itself, laying the foundation for their victory. Waseem scored 42 runs off 26 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. Sharafu played an innings of 46 runs off 27 balls, maintaining a strike rate of over 170.
After both openers were dismissed, Mayank Rajesh Kumar (13)* and Rahul Chopra (14)* guided the team to victory in the 13th over without any further pressure. The UAE made history by winning this match by 7 wickets and secured their entry into next year's T20 World Cup.
