Proteas can plot their next move as T20 World Cup 2026 line-up is finalised

How time flies in sport. Already, we are looking ahead to the 2026 edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and yet it seems like just yesterday that the Proteas Men fell agonisingly short in the 2024 final.

In that game, India batted first and set a target of 176/7. South Africa, who had battled their way through the tournament, fell just seven runs short in their chase, ending on 169/8.

The Proteas were unbeaten in the 2024 T20 World Cup until the final and came through in some really tough, final-over games. They fought hard in that final, too, but just crumbled at the wrong moment. Their trophy cabinet might still be bare, but the 2024 World Cup performance from Aiden Markram and his boys hopefully gives some reverence to a nation that was just struggling to find its identity in world cricket.

Having said that, the Proteas can now go back to their War Room and start planning their 2026 campaign, as the final places have been filled; they now know who they will be facing next year.

Final field confirmed

The final three spots in the 20-team tournament were confirmed this week, with Nepal, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earning their place via the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.

It will be a second consecutive appearance at the Men’s T20 World Cup and third overall for Nepal, while Oman will feature for a fourth time and the UAE a third – and their first since 2022.

The event is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka during the early stages of 2026, with the European side, Italy, set to make their inaugural appearance after qualifying alongside the Netherlands through the European Qualifier.

India will enter the event as the reigning champions, having beaten South Africa in 2024. They are one of three multiple T20 World Cup winners, alongside England and the West Indies.

The 2026 tournament will follow the same format as the 2024 edition, with 20 teams divided into four groups of five. The top two from each group will advance to the Super Eights phase, which will feature two groups of four. 

The leading two sides from each of those groups will then progress to the knockout semi-finals.

UAE clinch qualification with commanding win

The UAE sealed their place at the 2026 tournament after an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Japan in their Super Six clash at the regional qualifier in Oman on Thursday.

The 20 teams for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are now finalised: India (tournament host), Sri Lanka (tournament host), Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, Ireland, Italy, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa, UAE, USA, West Indies, and Zimbabwe.

In Thursday’s qualifier, Japan were restricted to 116/9 after being put in to bat. Only Wataru Miyauchi – batting at number nine – made a significant contribution with 45 not out from 32 deliveries. Esam Rahman (23), Abhishek Anand (10), and Abdul Samad (11 not out) were the other batters to reach double figures.

The UAE’s Haider Ali (3/20) and Muhammad Arfan (2/24) did most of the damage with the ball, setting up a straightforward chase for their batters.

Openers Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem put on a 70-run stand before Waseem fell for 42 in the eighth over to Declan Suzuki (1/14). Sharafu followed soon after for 46, dismissed by Ibrahim Takahashi (1/16) in the 11th over.

The foundation, however, was well set, allowing Mayank Kumar (13 not out) and Rahul Chopra (14 not out) to guide the UAE home with 47 balls to spare – and secure their ticket to the 2026 T20 World Cup.