South Africa vs United Arab Emirates: ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Match Preview

Match Details

• Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
• Time (IST): 11:00 AM
• Toss Time (IST): 10:30 AM
• Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
• Fixture: 34th Match, ICC T20 World Cup 2026
• Format: T20 International
• Group Stage (Group D)

Match Preview

South Africa and United Arab Emirates are set to lock horns in what promises to be a one-sided contest in the 34th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Proteas have been in scintillating form, having won all three of their group-stage matches to top Group D with a healthy net run rate of 1.477. On the other hand, the UAE have struggled for consistency, managing just one win in their three games, and will be up against a team at the peak of their powers.

South Africa – On a Roll

South Africa have been in red-hot form in the tournament. They began with a commanding 57-run win over Canada, then edged out Afghanistan in a thrilling second Super Over after a tied match, and finally sealed their place in the Super Eight with a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand. This win over the Kiwis was particularly significant as it showcased the depth of their squad and their ability to perform under pressure.

With a balanced lineup featuring explosive openers, middle-order anchors, and a potent bowling attack, South Africa are a force to be reckoned with. Their captain, Aiden Markram, has been in sublime form, scoring 150 runs in three innings, including a match-winning unbeaten 86 against New Zealand. Markram is a key figure and will be expected to carry the team’s batting once again.

Lungi Ngidi has been the standout bowler for the Proteas, picking up eight wickets in three matches, and his ability to swing the new ball and maintain accuracy has been crucial. The likes of Kagiso Rabada, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj add further depth to the bowling unit, making it extremely difficult for the opposition to post competitive totals.

United Arab Emirates – Fighting for Survival

The UAE have had a mixed tournament so far. After a demoralizing 10-wicket loss to New Zealand, they bounced back with a five-wicket win over Canada. However, a narrow defeat to Afghanistan has left them with just one win from three matches and a precarious position in the group.

The UAE will need to produce a near-flawless performance to pull off a shock result against South Africa. Their batting lineup lacks consistent performers, and the bowling attack, while spirited, lacks the firepower to break through a well-set South African batting order. Captain Muhammad Waseem will need to lead from the front, but the team as a whole will need to raise their game significantly to compete against the Proteas.

Key Players to Watch

Aiden Markram (South Africa) – The Proteas' captain has been in stellar form and will be looking to continue his dominance with the bat.

Lungi Ngidi (South Africa) – The star pacer has been a match-winner so far and will be key to containing the UAE's batsmen.

Sohaib Khan (UAE) – One of the UAE's more consistent performers with both bat and ball, Sohaib will need to step up in a big way.

Junaid Siddique (UAE) – A left-arm spinner with good variations, Siddique can be dangerous in the middle overs if the UAE manage to get a foothold.

Pitch Report

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi has been a batting paradise in recent T20 matches. The pitch offers a true bounce and carries well, while the short boundaries and quick outfield make it ideal for aggressive batting. While pacers might get some movement with the new ball, the middle and death overs are likely to be dominated by the batters. A high-scoring game is expected, and the team batting second will have a slight advantage.

Head-to-Head

South Africa and the United Arab Emirates are set to meet for the first time in T20 International history. With no prior history, all eyes will be on how the UAE can counter the Proteas' experience and firepower.

Prediction and Outlook

South Africa enter this match as overwhelming favorites. Their form, depth, and experience are all in their favor, and the UAE will need to produce a near-perfect performance to pull off a surprise. With Markram in scintillating form and Ngidi at his destructive best, the Proteas are expected to continue their winning streak and finish the group stage unbeaten.

Prediction: South Africa by 10+ runs

Probable XIs

South Africa (SA):

1. Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper)
2. Aiden Markram (captain)
3. Dewald Brevis
4. Ryan Rickelton
5. Marco Jansen
6. David Miller
7. Tristan Stubbs
8. Keshav Maharaj
9. Corbin Bosch
10. Kagiso Rabada
11. Lungi Ngidi

United Arab Emirates (UAE):

1. Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper)
2. Muhammad Waseem (captain)
3. Syed Haider
4. Alishan Sharafu
5. Sohaib Khan
6. Harshit Kaushik
7. Haider Ali
8. Simranjeet Singh
9. Junaid Siddique
10. Muhammad Arfan
11. Muhammad Jawadullah

Where to Watch

• Live TV: Star Sports Network
• Live Streaming: JioCinema (formerly JioHotstar)

Final Thoughts

South Africa are in a league of their own in this group, and the UAE will find it extremely difficult to contain the Proteas' momentum. With the Arun Jaitley pitch favoring batters and the Proteas having the firepower to post and chase with ease, this match could be a decisive one for the UAE's campaign.

Cricket fans can expect a high-scoring, one-sided affair with South Africa likely to march into the Super Eight with pride intact.
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