Six teams have kept their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 hopes alive after the Sub-Regional Qualifiers in Malaysia. Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar finished in the top three of the seven-team field in Sub-Regional Qualifier A, while Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia prevailed from Sub-Regional Qualifier B. The qualifying teams from each group advance to the next stage of the Asia qualification pathway in 2027.
Kuwait Lead the Way in Qualifier A
Kuwait set the early pace in Qualifier A. They beat Qatar on matchday one, with six players scoring over 20 in an authoritative 199/7 that delivered a 58-run win. Mohammed Aslam’s side slipped up against Bahrain, but emphatic wins over Myanmar (nine wickets) and Bhutan (eight wickets) ensured Kuwait could watch the final day from its 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.”
Bahrain and Qatar Serve Up a Thriller
Kuwait monitored the final day’s action at the Selangor Turf Club, as a Qatar win over Bahrain would secure top spot in the group. Both sides had already progressed, but Bahrain could still claim the summit on the last day of the single round-robin competition, and the match became a thriller.
Qatar No. 11 Mujeeb Ur Rehman walked out 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 when his leg-side swipe was fumbled in the infield.
Kuwait (10 points) and Bahrain (10 points) finished comfortably clear of the chasing pack, while Qatar took third with 9 points. Thailand finished fourth after beating Bhutan.
Bhutan celebrated their first centurion in ICC pathway events, as Tenjin Rabgey struck 108 off 58 balls against Mongolia, a team making its second pathway appearance. Myanmar also beat Mongolia on the final day of action.
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, closing out an undefeated campaign with a win over the Maldives. Malaysia suffered a heartbreaking seven-run defeat (DLS) to Hong Kong and lost to Saudi Arabia to open their home campaign. They responded with a strong win over the Maldives, then secured a crucial 37-run victory over Singapore. Virandeep Singh starred in that win, producing an outstanding all-round performance.
The left-arm orthodox spinner took 5/14 in four overs and scored an unbeaten 65 off 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 Impress Despite Winless Campaign
China returned to ICC T20 World Cup pathway cricket at the Qualifier and showed plenty of quality with the ball, even though they finished without a win. Tian Sen Qun was the team’s standout performer, taking seven wickets at an average of 12 and an economy rate under nine. Ma Qiancheng also took a wicket in as many matches.