Nepal and the United Arab Emirates have topped their respective groups to reach the final of the 2026 ACC Men’s Premier Cup, with the standings shaped by a tightly fought round-robin stage across ten associate cricket nations in Malaysia.
Quick Answer / Key Update
Nepal finished top of Group A after winning their round-robin fixtures against Hong Kong, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, while the United Arab Emirates topped Group B ahead of Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Singapore. Both teams progressed through the semi-finals to set up the final on September 12, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur.
What Happened?
The 2026 ACC Men’s Premier Cup featured ten nations split into two groups of five, playing a round-robin format at the Bayuemas Oval and UKM-YSD ground in Malaysia between August 30 and September 8. Group A consisted of Nepal, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, while Group B featured the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Singapore, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Latest Update
Nepal and Hong Kong emerged from Group A, while the UAE and Oman advanced from Group B. In the semi-finals, Nepal beat Oman by 87 runs after bowling them out for 60, and the UAE defeated Hong Kong inside 12 overs, setting up the Nepal vs UAE final, with Hong Kong and Oman meeting in the third-place play-off.
Why Is This Trending?
With the tournament serving as a direct qualification pathway to the 2027 Asia Cup, the standings and results throughout the group stage carried significant weight for the participating associate nations, drawing strong interest as the competition progressed towards its knockout stage.
Key Details
Tournament: 2026 ACC Men’s Premier Cup Format: Two groups of five, round-robin then knockout Group A: Nepal, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Group B: United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore Semi-Final Winners: Nepal (beat Oman), United Arab Emirates (beat Hong Kong) Final: Nepal vs UAE, September 12, 2026
What Happens Next?
With the group stage and semi-finals complete, only the final between Nepal and the UAE and the third-place play-off between Hong Kong and Oman remain, both scheduled for September 12, 2026, at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams topped the ACC Premier Cup 2026 groups?
Nepal topped Group A and the United Arab Emirates topped Group B.
How many teams competed in the tournament?
Ten nations competed, split into two groups of five.
Who is playing in the third-place play-off?
Hong Kong will face Oman for third place on September 12, 2026.
Final Takeaway
Nepal and the UAE have emerged as the two strongest sides from a competitive ACC Men’s Premier Cup group stage, setting up a final that will decide direct qualification for the 2027 Asia Cup.
Also read: Nepal head to the Asian Games next. Check their captain and players in the Asian Games 2026 cricket squads guide.
