Overview

• The United Arab Emirates beat Japan by eight wickets in Al Amerat to lock the third Asia–EAP slot and become the 20th qualifier.
• Japan’s defeat ended the chances of Japan, Qatar and Samoa, completing the 20-team field for the February–March 2026 tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
• Nepal and Oman had clinched qualification on October 15 after the UAE’s 77-run win over Samoa left them mathematically secure in the top three.
• Haider Ali took three wickets and openers Muhammad Waseem (42) and Alishan Sharafu (46) led the UAE’s chase, while Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane starred across the event with 10 wickets, including 5 for 18 versus Qatar.
• Super Six matches were frequently decided in the final over and teams carried group points forward, making net run rate and small margins decisive in the standings.