Oman clinch final automatic spot in CWC27 Qualifier
Oman become the final team to qualify directly for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier after securing a top-four finish in the 2024-2026 League 2 cycle.
Oman have secured the final automatic qualification spot for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier via the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, finishing fourth in the standings as their final fixture against the UAE brings the 2024-2026 cycle to a close.
Going into the match, Oman knew they needed either a victory or to avoid a heavy defeat to stay ahead of Namibia on net run rate. The team confirmed their finish in the top four after reaching the 103 run-mark.
After opting to field, Oman made an early breakthrough through Shakeel Ahmed, who struck twice in the seventh over. UAE recovered through a 65-run partnership between Adeeb Usmani and Rahul Chopra, but Oman continued to pick up wickets and prevent the UAE from building a decisive stand.
Basil Hameed's contribution of 43 helped UAE move past the 200-run mark, as they finished on 226/8 from their 50 overs. Meanwhile, Shakeel led the bowling effort with figures of 3/42 from his 10 overs.
Oman's chase got off to a difficult start, with their top three returning back to the pavilion by the 11th over, leaving them at 28/3. Hammad Mirza and Vinayak Shukla attempted to steady the innings before Aayan Afzal Khan dismissed Shukla. Mirza followed him soon after, with Oman slipping to 68/5.
Top composure from Shakeel | T20WC 2026
Oman's Shakeel Ahmed keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a good catch to dismiss Australia batter Travis Head at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
With the qualification target still to be reached, Mujibur Ali and Narayan Saishiv came together and guided Oman past the crucial 103-run mark, securing their place among the top four in the final standings.
The USA, Scotland and the Netherlands had already confirmed their places in the Qualifier by finishing in the top four. The USA topped the table with 49 points, while Oman joined the three teams as direct entrants.
The remaining four League 2 teams, Nepal, the UAE, Canada and Namibia, will now compete in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off. They will be joined by the top two teams from each of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League groups.
Jersey and Kuwait secured the two qualifying places from Group A, while Italy and Uganda advanced from Group B. The Play-off will determine the final four teams to join the direct entrants in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, with a place at the 2027 tournament still at stake.