Currently, Hong Kong and Oman lead Group B with 2 points each, while Nepal tops Group A with a stunning +11.050 NRR after demolishing China by 221 runs in the opener.
Furthermore, the Asian Games Men’s T20I Qualifier 2026 runs from May 31 to June 9 across Singapore, where eight associate nations are battling for four semi-final spots that double as Asian Games qualification berths for Nagoya, Japan. Below is the updated points table, match results, top performers, and the road ahead.
Asian Games Men’s T20I Qualifier 2026 Points Table (Updated)
As things stand after Day 2 of the tournament, Nepal and Hong Kong are the early frontrunners. Notably, Malaysia and Qatar haven’t played their opening fixtures yet.
Table: Group A Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | NR | PTS | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nepal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +11.050 |
| 2 | Malaysia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 3 | Qatar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 4 | China | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -11.050 |
Table: Group B Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | NR | PTS | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +2.287 |
| 2 | Oman | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.400 |
| 3 | Singapore | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -0.400 |
| 4 | Bahrain | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -2.287 |
P = Played, W = Won, L = Lost, NR = No Result, PTS = Points, NRR = Net Run Rate
Group A: What the Numbers Say
Importantly, Nepal has effectively booked a semi-final slot already. Specifically, their +11.050 NRR is almost mathematically impossible to dislodge, courtesy of Kushal Bhurtel’s six sixes in an over and a 313/2 total. Consequently, the second qualification spot is a three-way scrap between Malaysia, Qatar, and China.
Group B: The Tight One
Meanwhile, Group B is where the action sits. Both Hong Kong and Oman hold 2 points each, but Hong Kong leads on NRR (+2.287 vs +0.400). Moreover, host nation Singapore lost a rain-shortened opener to Oman and now needs back-to-back wins to stay alive. Therefore, Bahrain’s -2.287 NRR after a heavy loss to Hong Kong leaves them needing miracles.
Match Results So Far
So far, three matches have produced results in the opening two days. Notably, Nepal’s 221-run hammering of China is the headline, with Kushal Bhurtel hitting six sixes in one over off Chen Zhuoyue to become only the sixth player in men’s T20I history to do so.
| Date | Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 31 | Nepal vs China | Singapore Cricket Club | Nepal won by 221 runs |
| Jun 1 | Oman vs Singapore | SNCG Singa Oval | Oman won (DLS) |
| Jun 1 | Bahrain vs Hong Kong | SNCG Oval | Hong Kong won |
Nepal’s Statement Win
Notably, Nepal posted 313/2 in 20 overs, restricting China to just 92 all out in 19.2 overs. Furthermore, Bhurtel’s onslaught included his 2,000th T20I run, a milestone reached during the same innings. As a result, China’s -11.050 NRR is the lowest of any team in the tournament.
Oman’s Rain-Affected Win
Specifically, Singapore was set a revised target of 151 in 15 overs after rain intervened, but the home side couldn’t chase down Oman’s adjusted total. Importantly, this match also saw multiple T20I debuts for both squads, including Jeevan Santhanam and Kapish Venkatraman for Singapore, plus the entire Al Balushi cohort for Oman.
Hong Kong’s Dominant Start
Hong Kong elected to field after winning the toss and outclassed Bahrain comprehensively. Additionally, six Bahrain players made their T20I debuts in this fixture, including Mohammad Hamza and Abdulla Pervaiz. Consequently, the +2.287 NRR puts Hong Kong in pole position to top Group B.
How Teams Qualify for the 2026 Asian Games
Importantly, four teams from this qualifier will advance to the main Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament in Nagoya, Japan. Specifically, the ten-team main draw already has six spots locked: host Japan plus Asia’s five ICC Full Members. Therefore, this qualifier decides the final four berths.
Format Breakdown
1. Top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.
2. Semi-final winners qualify directly for the main tournament.
3. Both the winner and loser of the 3rd-place playoff also qualify.
4. In total, four teams earn their ticket to Nagoya.
Upcoming Fixtures (June 2 Onwards)
Notably, group stage matches continue through June 5, after which the semi-finals begin June 7. Below is the upcoming schedule
| Date | Team | Group | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2 | China vs Malaysia | Group A | 1:30 AM | Singapore |
| Jun 2 | Bahrain vs Oman | Group B | 6:30 AM | Singapore |
| Jun 3 | Singapore vs Hong Kong | Group B | 6:30 AM | Singapore |
| Jun 4 | Malaysia vs Nepal | Group A | 1:30 AM | Singapore |
| Jun 5 | Singapore vs Bahrain | Group B | 6:30 AM | Singapore |
| Jun 5 | Hong Kong vs Oman | Group B | 1:30 AM | Singapore |
| Jun 7 | 1st Semi-Final | — | TBA | Singapore |
| Jun 8 | 2nd Semi-Final | — | TBA | Singapore |
| Jun 9 | Final | — | TBA | Singapore |
Tournament Quick Facts
- Host nation: Singapore, with matches split between the Singapore Cricket Club, SNCG Singa Oval, and SNCG Oval.
- Total matches: 13 T20Is across group stage, semi-finals, and final.
- Teams: Eight, split into two groups. Group A houses Nepal, Malaysia, Qatar, and China; Group B contains Hong Kong, Oman, Singapore, and Bahrain.
- Qualification on offer: Four spots for the main Asian Games 2026 cricket event in Nagoya, Japan.
Window: May 31 to June 9, 2026.
Final Take: Stay Tuned for Updated Points Table
Overall, Nepal looks all but through, while Group B remains wide open between Hong Kong, Oman, and a wounded Singapore. Furthermore, the Group A second-place battle between Malaysia, Qatar, and China will be decided in the next two matches.
As a result, fans can expect drama right through to the June 9 final at Singapore.
