Six teams have kept ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 dreams alive after the Sub-Regional Qualifiers in Malaysia, with Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar progressing from Sub-Regional Qualifier A, and Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia prevailing from Sub-Regional Qualifier B. The qualifying teams from each qualifier will advance to the next stage of the Asia qualification pathway in 2027.
Kuwait lead the way in Qualifier A
Kuwait set the pace early in Qualifier A, beating Qatar on matchday one. Six of their players scored more than 20 as they posted an authoritative 199/7, and they went on to win by 58 runs. Mohammed Aslam’s side slipped up against Bahrain, but emphatic wins over Myanmar (nine wickets) and Bhutan (eight wickets) ensured Kuwait had already secured progression before their bye on the final day.
“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.”
Bahrain and Qatar go to the wire
Kuwait watched the final day closely at the Selangor Turf Club, as a Qatar win over Bahrain would have given them top spot. Both sides had already booked their places, but Bahrain still had the chance to claim the top position on the last day of the single round-robin, and the encounter proved a thriller.
Qatar’s No.11, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, had to face the final ball of the last over, needing a single to win off the bowling of Shujaat Rasool. He snuck home to the non-striker’s end after his leg-side swipe was fumbled in the infield.
Kuwait (10 points) and Bahrain (10 points) finished comfortably ahead of the chasing pack, with Qatar third on nine points. Thailand finished fourth after beating Bhutan. Bhutan celebrated their first centurion in ICC pathway events, as Tenjin Rabgey made 108 off 58 balls against Mongolia, who were taking part in the pathway for a second time. Myanmar also beat Mongolia on the final day.
Saudi Arabia claim top spot in Qualifier B
In Sub-Regional Qualifier B, Saudi Arabia claimed the top spot. Malaysia finished in the top three, and Hong Kong, China joined them with a win on the final day. The Saudis held their nerve in final-over thrillers against Malaysia and Hong Kong, and they closed out an undefeated campaign with a win over the Maldives.
Malaysia recovered from a heartbreaking seven-run defeat to Hong Kong on DLS, and a loss to Saudi Arabia in their home campaign’s opener. They then beat the Maldives strongly before securing a crucial 37-run win over Singapore. Virandeep Singh starred in that victory, claiming 5/14 in four overs and scoring an unbeaten 65 from 52 balls. He became just the fifth player in men’s T20Is to score 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 return to pathway cricket
China returned to ICC T20 World Cup pathway cricket at the Qualifier. They finished without a win, but they showed plenty of quality with the ball. Tian Sen Qun was the standout performer, claiming seven wickets at an average of 12 and an economy rate under nine. Ma Qiancheng also took a wicket in as many matches.