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The lineup for the 2026 T20 World Cup is almost complete as Oman and Nepal secured their spots in the tournament after dominating the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. 

Both teams finished among the top two sides in the Super Six stage, confirming their qualification for next year’s event in India and Sri Lanka.

Nepal, led by Rohit Paudel, continued its outstanding form by winning four consecutive matches in the Super Six. Their unbeaten run placed them at the top of the points table with eight points, guaranteeing a top-three finish. Oman followed closely behind, matching Nepal’s record but trailing slightly on net run rate.

The two teams had already sealed their World Cup berths before their final Super Six clash in Al Amerat. Earlier in the day, UAE’s 77-run win over Samoa ensured that both Oman and Nepal could not be overtaken in the standings.

UAE now sits on the third spot with four points and will face Japan in a crucial fixture on October 16, as they fight for the last qualifying spot from the region.

With Oman and Nepal joining the list, 19 out of 20 teams have confirmed their places for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

2026 T20 World Cup qualified teams

India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, and Oman.

Italy sent Israel crashing out of the FIFA World Cup race on Wednesday with a convincing 3-0 win in Udine, with Mateo Retegui scoringb twice, while Gianluca Mancini added a late third to seal the home side’s spot in the playoffs.

The win meant Italy stayed in second place in Group I with 15 points, three behind leaders Norway, while Israel’s campaign ended with no chance to qualify. But while the players did their job on the field, football fans turned social media into a comedy arena, thanking the victors for defeating the genocidal country. 

One user wrote, “Thank you Italy ”, while another couldn’t resist the puns, saying, “Even the Iron Dome couldn’t stop Italy’s firepower .”

Another fan declared, “The Romans did it again,” comparing Italy’s win to ancient battles. One user said, “Italy saved football once again ,” while another joked, “The elimination from the World Cup was promised to them 3000 years ago .”

“Should have never been allowed to play. But well done! ❤” wrote one viewer, while another proudly claimed, “Italy are the saviors of the World Cup.”

Social media was flooded with memes, jokes, and celebrations as Italian fans rejoiced over their team’s big win and the end of Israel’s qualification hopes.

The win comes on the heels of an intense campaign to get FIFA to ban Israel from playing as the genocide in Gaza continued. 

Italy now turn their focus to Moldova and Norway in their final two group games, hoping to secure a direct ticket to the World Cup, but for now, fans are simply saying: Grazie, Italia!

Pakistan on Wednesday defeated South Africa by 93 runs at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match Test series. The visitors were bowled out for 183 while chasing 277 on the fourth day.

South Africa began the day with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi at the crease, but Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing de Zorzi for a duck. Tristan Stubbs followed soon after, dismissed by Noman Ali for 23, leaving the visitors struggling at 55 for 3.

Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali claimed four wickets each, while Sajid Khan picked up the remaining two to seal a comprehensive victory.

Noman Ali was the star of the match, finishing with 10 wickets, six in the first innings and four in the second.

Earlier, Pakistan had taken a 109-run lead after bowling South Africa out for 269 in reply to their 378. In the second innings, the hosts managed 167, setting a target of 277.

South Africa reached 51 for 2 by stumps on the third day, but Pakistan wrapped up the remaining wickets swiftly on the fourth morning to secure a dominant win and start their World Test Championship campaign on a high.

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has voiced his frustration after being left out of India’s white-ball squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, indirectly criticising the national selectors. 

Speaking to reporters ahead of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens, Shami said his participation in domestic cricket proves his fitness.

“I have said this before.  Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal,” Shami said. “I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket.”

The 35-year-old pacer, who played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year as joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakravarthy, has been recovering from ankle and knee surgeries since the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite taking 24 wickets in just seven matches during that tournament, Shami has not featured in India’s Test or limited-overs squads in recent months.

Selector chairman Ajit Agarkar earlier said there was “no update” on Shami’s fitness when announcing the squad for the Australia series. Responding to that, Shami clarified that he has completed his rehabilitation and is match-fit.

“My job is to go to the NCA, prepare and play matches. That’s their matter who gives them updates or not. It’s not my responsibility,” he said.

Shami added that he has already returned to competitive cricket through the Duleep Trophy for East Zone this season. “I always say that you should select the best for your country. It’s a matter of the country. The country should win. We should all be happy. That’s what I always say,” he remarked.

He further said that he is ready whenever the selectors need him. “Keep fighting, keep playing games. If you perform well, it will benefit you as well. Selection is not in my hands. I can only prepare and play matches. I have no objection… If you don’t select me, I will come here and play for Bengal. I have no issue with it.”

“I also don’t want to play in pain or make the team suffer. I wanted to come back after the operation and make a strong comeback. I am trying to do the same. I am ready to go whenever they (selectors) want me to go,” he added.

While acknowledging that team dynamics are changing and younger players are getting more chances, Shami said consistency is hard to maintain in cricket and that domestic cricket remains the true test of a player’s ability.

“In the old days, Ranji Trophy was a big level for anyone. But today, we have a platform, and you think it’s an ‘insult’ to go back to play first-class cricket like Ranji Trophy. I don’t think so. You should play four-day cricket,” he said.

Shami, who last played for India in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, said he remains focused on performance rather than explanations. “I just want to keep performing and stay ready for an opportunity, whenever it comes,” he said.