UAE Eye T20 World Cup Berth as Qualifiers Begin in Oman
Muscat: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricket team will begin their bid to qualify for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup today when they take on Qatar in the opening match of the Asia and East Asia Pacific Qualifier in Oman.
The tournament, held at the Oman Cricket Academy in Al Amerat, will determine which three teams join cricket’s elite on the global stage next year. The main event, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February–March 2026, will feature 20 nations, with several spots still up for grabs through regional qualifiers.
Tournament format and contenders
Nine teams are competing in Oman, divided into three groups of three.
Group A: UAE, Malaysia, Qatar
Group B: Japan, Kuwait, Nepal
Group C: Oman, Papua New Guinea, Samoa
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, where they will battle in a round-robin format. The top three finishers from that stage will qualify for the T20 World Cup, joining Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, who have already secured their places.
This year’s event is unique as it merges the Asia and East Asia Pacific (EAP) regions, bringing together nations that rarely face each other in qualifying tournaments. For the UAE, it means adapting to a wider range of playing styles and conditions.
UAE’s preparation and recent form
The UAE enter the qualifiers as the highest-ranked team and a clear favourite to advance. However, their preparation has been a mix of promise and inconsistency.
Head coach Lalchand Rajput said the team has learned valuable lessons from recent tours and is ready to deliver when it matters most.
“It’s a process that we always carry forward,” Rajput said. “We were looking forward to the Asia Cup because we qualified after a long time, and beating Bangladesh in that series gave us a lot of confidence.”
The UAE then toured Uganda, experimenting with squad combinations but narrowly missing out on a clean sweep.
“We beat other teams but lost to Uganda,” Rajput admitted. “We came close in a few games, but what separates good teams is the ability to cross the line. The players are beginning to believe in themselves, and I’m sure we’ll improve from here.”
The team later competed in a tri-series that exposed areas for improvement — particularly in finishing close games — but Rajput remains confident that the squad has the balance and depth needed to progress.
Key players to watch
Leading the side is Muhammad Waseem, one of the UAE’s most explosive T20 batters and a proven match-winner. Alongside him are Alishan Sharafu and Aryansh Sharma, who provide stability in the middle order.
The all-round strength comes from Basil Hameed and Simranjeet Singh, while experienced campaigners like Junaid Siddique and Zahid Ali spearhead the bowling attack.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Chopra and young talent Dhruv Parashar add versatility to a squad that blends youth with experience.
Competition and challenges ahead
While UAE are favourites, the road to qualification will not be easy. Nepal, currently in red-hot form after a historic T20 series win over the West Indies in Sharjah, are expected to pose the biggest challenge.
Hosts Oman will also be tough opponents, given their familiarity with home conditions. Papua New Guinea (PNG), known for their fighting spirit, could also spring a surprise.
All matches will be played under the clear skies of Al Amerat, a venue known for its batting-friendly pitches but tricky evening conditions due to dew — something the teams will need to factor into their game plans.
The squad
UAE squad: Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Jonathan Figy, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mohammed Farooq, Mohammed Irfan, Rahul Chopra, Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Zahid Ali.
Eyes on India and Sri Lanka 2026
For the UAE, qualifying for the T20 World Cup would be another milestone in their growing cricket journey. Having previously made appearances on the world stage, the team is eager to cement its status as one of the top Associate nations.
“We are a much better team now,” Rajput said. “You’ll see that improvement in the coming matches. From here, we can only go upward.”
With belief building and a strong lineup ready, UAE’s campaign in Oman marks not just a bid for qualification — but a statement of intent on their road to India and Sri Lanka 2026.
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