Oman lose to UAE by 42 runs but reach World Cup qualifier on net run rate, ahead of Namibia

The last match of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 was played between Oman and the UAE. Oman lost by 42 runs. But the news was still good for Oman, as they confirmed their place in the qualifier round for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Net run rate was the reason. On the strength of a better net run rate, Oman edged out Namibia and secured direct entry to the 10-team Global Qualifier.

Oman finished fourth in the League 2 points table. Namibia and Oman both ended on 33 points and were level in second place. The only difference was a slender advantage in net run rate, and that advantage went to Oman. That is why they moved on to the next round.

The United States finished first in League 2. Scotland and the Netherlands have also secured their places in the next round. Oman have joined them as the fourth team.

The ICC has already said that next year's World Cup will be played between October and November. The tournament is to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Namibia are co-hosts of the 2027 World Cup along with South Africa and Zimbabwe. Even so, Oman have secured their place, but it is not yet decided whether Oman will be able to play World Cup matches.

Qualifying has become difficult for hosts Namibia. They finished fifth in League 2 and will therefore have to play the playoff. However, they are not out of the race entirely and the doors are not yet closed on them. They will have one more chance to qualify for the tournament.

Apart from Namibia, Nepal, the UAE and Canada will play in the playoff. Jersey, Kuwait, Italy and Uganda will also take part in it. The four teams at the top of the points table will advance from this playoff. The qualifier round will follow.

It is not clear whether Oman will play in the World Cup, while Namibia are likely to. More matches will be played in the coming days, and only after that will it be decided which teams appear in the main World Cup matches.