SA vs UAE: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

• Fixture: South Africa vs United Arab Emirates
• Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group D
• Match: 34th Match, Group D
• Date & Time: 18 February 2026, 11:00 AM IST
• Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, India

Match Preview

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D has concluded with the match between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates in Delhi. South Africa have performed brilliantly throughout Group D and have qualified for the Super Eight stage. Their consistent performances in each match have seen strong contributions from both batsmen and bowlers. Captain Aiden Markram played a brilliant innings in the win over New Zealand that confirmed their group dominance.

UAE’s campaign has been mixed. Their most notable result was a spirited five-wicket win over Canada that showed real competitive ability. They gave Afghanistan a close contest by defeating them by five wickets. They know they cannot progress any further. But UAE will go into this final group match with pride and purpose. A strong performance against one of the world’s top T20 teams will mean something beyond just the scorecard.

This match is crucial. South Africa will be looking to advance to the Super Eights with confidence and a clean record intact. The UAE are looking to end their World Cup campaign with a performance that shows how far associate cricket has come and how seriously they compete.

SA vs UAE: Head to Head (T20I)

Note: In their T20I history, South Africa have won both matches against the UAE, which shows their dominance in this head-to-head matchup.

SA vs UAE – Squad List

Pitch Report – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Team Analysis

South Africa

South Africa are undefeated in Group D and their early qualification confirms strong tournament form across all departments. Their batting depth includes Aiden Markram and David Miller and Ryan Rickelton who all contribute runs in different ways. Their bowling attack is balanced with Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jensen providing pace and Keshav Maharaj providing quality spin control.

Their only concern is that they sometimes concede competitive totals in group games and then the situation becomes more difficult. Against UAE they will want clean execution in all twenty overs.

Key players to watch are Aiden Markram who is a leading run scorer and a captain with match-deciding ability. Ryan Rickelton provides a consistent top order foundation. David Miller brings middle-order experience and dangerous power hitting. Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje provide a real pace threat with the new ball which will be extremely difficult for UAE to handle.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE have shown fighting qualities, especially in their win over Canada and in the competitive game against Afghanistan. Sohaib Khan and Alishan Sharafoo have shown real batting talent by batting competitively throughout the tournament.

Their concern is the significant difference in experience and defeat when facing top T20 nations like South Africa. The Proteas bowling attack is significantly stronger than what the UAE is facing in this tournament.

One of the key players to watch is Sohaib Khan who leads the UAE batting with aggressive intent from the top. Alishan Sharafoo contributes valuable runs from the middle order in difficult conditions. Junaid Siddique is their main bowling figure who will have to perform to give the UAE any real chance of competing.

Toss Prediction

There is a possibility of dew in Delhi later in the day which could make it difficult to bowl in the light in the second innings. The captain who wins the toss may choose to bowl first and take advantage of the easy bowling conditions initially. Chasing is in the batting team’s favour as dry conditions are far away and there is dew on the ball. South Africa are experienced enough to chase down any total set by UAE.

Cricbites Match Prediction

Cricbites Prediction: South Africa will win based on current form, head-to-head history and the depth of their all-round team. UAE have shown courage but are massive underdogs.

Final Thoughts

This Group D final match between South Africa and UAE beautifully illustrates the contrasting journeys of the tournament. South Africa have been dominant and consistent and are now preparing for serious battles in the Super Eights against the best teams in the world. UAE have competed hard and earned respect, even if their results have not always reflected their efforts.

Expect strong batting from the first over from the South African top order. Expect disciplined bowling to control the middle overs and the use of strategic spin as the situation changes in the morning session. South Africa will strengthen themselves and build momentum before the Super Eights while UAE will fight with characteristic pride and determination to make their final group statement count on the world stage.

Next Read: SCO vs NEP: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

Disclaimer

This preview and prediction is based on verified match information, team form and player data, and expected pitch conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Cricket is still unpredictable. Results may vary depending on toss decisions, weather and individual performances on the day.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is the captain of South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

The captain of South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Aiden Markram.

Q2. Who is the captain of United Arab Emirates in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

The captain of United Arab Emirates in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Muhammad Wasim.

Q3. When and at what time will SA vs UAE be played?

South Africa will face United Arab Emirates on 18 February 2026. This match is scheduled to start at 11:00 AM IST.

Q4. Where is the match being played?

The SA vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, India.

Q5. What is the match number of SA vs UAE in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

This match is the 34th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in the Group D stage.