Six teams from Asia take first step to T20 World Cup 2028

Six teams have kept ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 dreams alive through Sub-Regional Qualifiers in Malaysia. 

Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar finished in the top three of the seven-team field to progress from Sub-Regional Qualifier A, while Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia prevailed from Sub-Regional Qualifier B.

The qualifying teams from each qualifier progress to the next stage of the Asia qualification pathway in 2027.

It was the Kuwaitis who did the early running in Qualifier A, accounting for Qatar on matchday one, with six players making over 20 in an authoritative 199/7 in a 58-run win.

Mohammed Aslam’s side did slip up against Bahrain, though emphatic wins over Myanmar (nine wickets) and Bhutan (eight wickets) ensured the Kuwaitis could watch final-day action on their bye having already done enough to progress.

“Winning the T20 World Cup Qualifier is an incredibly proud moment for all of us," Aslam said afterwards. 

"Our success came from clear planning, disciplined preparation, belief in our players and a strong team culture. We worked hard to build a team that plays fearless, attacking cricket while staying united under pressure.

"The players deserve immense credit for their commitment and the way they delivered when it mattered most.”

The Kuwaitis were still keeping a close eye on final day action at the Selangor Turf Club though, knowing that a Qatar win over Bahrain would ensure top-of-the-table bragging rights. 

The two took the field with their progress secure, though the Bahrainis had the opportunity to claim top spot on the last day of single round-robin competition, and the encounter proved to be a thriller. 

Qatar No.11 Mujeeb Ur Rehman had to walk out to face the final ball of the last over, needing a single for victory off the bowling of Shujaat Rasool, and snuck home to the non-striker’s end when his leg-side swipe was fumbled in the infield.

Kuwait (10 points), Bahrain (10) and Qatar (9) finished comfortably ahead of the chasing pack, with Thailand finishing fourth after a win over Bhutan.  

Bhutan celebrated their first centurion in ICC pathway events with Tenjin Rabgey making a century (108 off 58 balls) against second-time pathway participants Mongolia, while Myanmar claimed a victory over Mongolia on the final day of action.

Over in Sub-Regional Qualifier B, it was Saudi Arabia who claimed the top spot, with Malaysia finishing in the top three and Hong Kong, China joining them with a win on the final day.

The Saudis held their nerve in final-over thrillers against Malaysia and Hong Kong, closing out an undefeated campaign with a win over the Maldives.

Despite a heartbreaking seven-run defeat (DLS) to Hong Kong and the defeat to the Saudis to begin the home campaign, Malaysia hit back with a strong win over the Maldives, before a crucial 37-run win over Singapore, thanks to an outstanding performance from all-rounder Virandeep Singh.

The left-arm orthodox spinner claimed 5/14 in four overs to go with his 65 not out from 52 balls, becoming just the fifth player in men’s T20Is to make a half-century, take a five-wicket haul and claim a catch in the same match.

“It is an incredible feeling and a historic moment for Saudi cricket," Saudi Arabia captain Waji Ul Hassan said.

"Winning our first ICC tournament is a dream come true and a reward for our hard work, dedication, and determination.

"We are extremely proud to represent Saudi Arabia and bring this achievement home.

"Most importantly, I am incredibly proud of my teammates, who demonstrated outstanding commitment, unity, and fighting spirit throughout the tournament.”

China meanwhile returned to ICC T20 World Cup pathway cricket at the Qualifier, showing quality with the ball despite finishing the tournament without a win to their name.

Tian Sen Qun, the team’s standout player, claimed seven wickets at an average of 12 and an economy under nine, while Ma Qiancheng also claimed a wicket in as many matches.