Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 preview brings fans one of the most intense survival clashes in Group D. With both teams clinging to slim qualification hopes, this February 16, 2026, day game at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi promises high drama, passionate performances, and national pride on the line.
For Afghan fans, it’s about bouncing back from heartbreak. For UAE supporters, it’s the chance to pull off another giant-killing moment. Afghanistan hold a commanding head-to-head edge, but UAE arrive with fresh confidence after edging Canada. Every ball counts in this must-win battle.
A Must-Win Battle for Pride and Survival in Delhi
Imagine the roar inside Arun Jaitley Stadium as Rashid Khan leads his warriors onto the field. Afghanistan’s journey inspires millions – from humble beginnings amid challenges to becoming a full ICC member feared worldwide. Yet, their 2026 campaign started with frustration: a five-wicket loss to New Zealand in Chennai and a soul-crushing double Super Over defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad.
That South Africa match lingers. Afghanistan fought valiantly, pushing the game to two Super Overs before falling short. The pain shows in captain Rashid Khan‘s words: “We are definitely disappointed. In the last one and a half year, we worked hard… But sometimes it doesn’t go your way… But you don’t know – anything can happen.”
Coach Jonathan Trott echoes hope: “I’d like to make sure that we get it right against the UAE in Delhi. They’re a good side and so are we… Hopefully this group can surprise a few people.”
UAE, the plucky associate side, tasted extremes too. Crushed by 10 wickets against New Zealand, they regrouped brilliantly to beat Canada by five wickets with two balls left in Delhi itself. That win lifts spirits. Batter Alishan Sharafu declares: “We’ve played with them and against them… We have cracked the code in the past, and we’re backing our chances.”
Both sides face reality. A New Zealand win over Canada the next day could end hopes for one or both. Qualification feels distant, but pride demands victory here. Afghanistan need to convert promise into points. UAE aim to build momentum.
This isn’t just cricket – it’s resilience versus rising ambition. Afghan fans dream of seeing their spinners dominate. UAE supporters celebrate their multicultural squad’s fearless spirit. In Delhi’s cauldron, heroes emerge.
How to Watch AFG vs UAE Live – Streaming & TV Guide
Catch every moment of this thrilling encounter.
- Match: 28th Match, Group D, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Date: February 16, 2026 (Monday)
- Time: 11:00 AM IST / 5:30 AM GMT / 10:00 AM Kabul / 9:30 AM Dubai
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Umpires: Leslie Reifer, Roly Black
- Third Umpire: Paul Reiffel
- Referee: Javagal Srinath
Broadcast in India: Star Sports Network (TV), JioHotstar (streaming – free for select users, subscription otherwise).
Afghanistan: Ariana Television or RTA Sports (check local listings), ICC.tv as fallback.
UAE: CricLife MAX or Etisalat platforms, ICC.tv.
Global: Willow TV (USA/Canada), Sky Sports (UK select), PTV/Myco (Pakistan), ICC.tv (free in many regions without exclusive rights).
Fans in Kabul and Dubai – set alarms early. Gather family, raise flags, and cheer loud. This day game starts under sunny skies – perfect for cricket passion.
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi – History, Stats and What to Expect in This Day Game
Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla) stands as one of India’s iconic venues. Capacity around 48,000, it hosts Delhi Capitals in IPL and delivers drama.
In T20 World Cup 2026 so far, Delhi hosted several matches. Day/morning games trend lower-scoring: totals hover 150-180, chasing sides dominate due to early help for bowlers. Evening fixtures saw higher scores – India posted 209 vs Namibia – but batting eased less than numbers suggest.
Recent T20 World Cup 2026 Results at Arun Jaitley Stadium
| Match | Teams | Result | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Previous day game example | Canada vs UAE | UAE won by 5 wkts | CAN 150/7, UAE chased | Close, low-scoring chase success |
| Evening high | India vs Namibia | India won | IND 209 | Highest total, batting-friendly later |
Historical T20I Stats at Venue (Pre-2026 select)
- Matches: ~10-17 T20Is
- Highest team total: ~221
- Lowest: ~120
- Average 1st innings: Balanced, often 160+
- Batting first wins: ~50%
- Chasing wins: ~50% (higher in day games)
For this 11 AM start – fourth match here, second morning slot – expect early moisture aiding pacers. Spinners grip later. Par score batting first: 160-180. Defending tough if dew absent (minimal in day game, ends ~3 PM).
Fans dream of iconic moments here. Afghan spinners relish turn. UAE pacers exploit swing. Venue adds pressure – crowd roars for big hits.
ESPNcricinfo match report.
Pitch Report, Toss Prediction and Weather Forecast for AFG vs UAE
Delhi pitches offer true bounce, good carry – batsman-friendly overall. But day games in 2026 show early assistance: swing/seam for pacers first hour, spin grip mid-innings.
Day vs Evening Games Comparison (2026 Tournament at Venue)
| Condition | Day/Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings | 150-180 | 180+ |
| Chasing Success | High | Moderate |
| Key Factor | Early moisture | Dew potential |
Toss winner likely bowls first – exploit conditions. Chasing easier.
Weather: Sunny, 25-28°C, low humidity, no rain. Gentle breeze possible. Ideal – no interruptions.
Afghanistan’s spin trio (Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad) thrives later. UAE pacers (Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah) target early. Batting side needs solid start.
Afghanistan – Fighting to Keep the Dream Alive
Afghanistan’s story moves hearts. Overcoming adversity, they rose to challenge giants. Fans live every ball with passion.
Tournament: Losses to NZ (5 wkts) and SA (Super Over heartbreak). Yet, competitiveness shines.
Strengths: World-class spin, explosive openers.
Concerns: Converting starts, occasional expensive spells.
Probable XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) – Explosive opener, SR 154+ recent.
- Ibrahim Zadran – Anchor with intent, Avg ~48 recent.
- Gulbadin Naib – Allrounder power.
- Sediqullah Atal – Top-order stability.
- Darwish Rasooli – Middle-order finisher.
- Azmatullah Omarzai – Allrounder threat.
- Mohammad Nabi – Veteran experience.
- Rashid Khan (c) – Leg-spin genius, nearing 700 T20 wickets.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Mystery off-spin.
- Noor Ahmad – Wrist-spin X-factor.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi – Left-arm pace.
Key Players Spotlight
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 342 runs in 9 recent, SR 154.75 – fans’ hero.
- Ibrahim Zadran: 335 runs, Avg 47.86 – needs big score.
- Rashid Khan: Milestone watch – one wicket from 700.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman: 17 wkts in 9, Econ 6.91.
Trott’s positivity fuels hope. Afghanistan aim to surprise.
United Arab Emirates – The Rising Associate Looking to Shock the World
UAE represent growth – multicultural talent, rapid rise. Emirati and expat fans proud.
Tournament: Heavy NZ loss, then gritty Canada win.
Strengths: Fearless batting, disciplined bowling.
Probable XI
- Aryansh Sharma (wk) – Solid keeper-opener.
- Muhammad Waseem (c) – Power-hitter, 9 innings 6+ sixes.
- Alishan Sharafu – Consistent, 346 runs recent.
- Mayank Kumar – Top-order.
- Harshit Kaushik – Allrounder.
- Sohaib Khan – Destructive, 51 off 29 vs CAN.
- Muhammad Arfan – Bowling allrounder.
- Muhammad Farooq – Spinner.
- Haider Ali – Pace.
- Junaid Siddique – Powerplay king, 18 wkts first over since 2024.
- Muhammad Jawadullah – Economical pacer.
Key Players Spotlight
- Muhammad Waseem: Elite six-hitter.
- Alishan Sharafu: 346 runs, Avg 34.6.
- Sohaib Khan: Game-changer.
- Junaid Siddique: New-ball threat.
Confidence high – they believe in upsets.
Players to Watch – Stars Who Can Decide AFG vs UAE
Afghanistan Stars
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Powerplay aggressor.
- Ibrahim Zadran – Anchor role crucial.
- Rashid Khan – Milestone + control.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Mystery.
UAE Stars
- Muhammad Waseem – Six machine.
- Sohaib Khan – Middle-order fireworks.
- Alishan Sharafu – Steady.
- Junaid Siddique – Early breakthroughs.
Key Battles
- Gurbaz vs Junaid Siddique (powerplay clash).
- Waseem vs Farooqi (pace test).
- Rashid Khan vs Sohaib Khan (spin vs aggression).
- Zadran vs UAE spinners (anchor battle).
Afghanistan vs UAE Head-to-Head – A Rivalry with Clear Dominance
Overall T20Is: Afghanistan lead 11-3.
Last 5 Matches
| Date | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 5, 2025 | Afghanistan | 4 runs |
| Sep 1, 2025 | Afghanistan | 38 runs |
| Jan 2, 2024 | Afghanistan | 4 wkts |
| Dec 31, 2023 | UAE | 11 runs |
| Dec 29, 2023 | Afghanistan | 72 runs |
Afghanistan won recent three – dominance clear. UAE’s last win 2023.
T20 World Cup History
Afghanistan: Full member rise, strong campaigns.
UAE: Associate pride, qualification grit.
Recent Form Guide
Afghanistan Last 5: L L L W W
UAE Last 5: W L L L L
Group D Points Table and Qualification Scenarios
Group D (as of Feb 15, 2026)
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | PTS | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | +1.477 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | +0.701 |
| 3 | UAE | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1.030 |
| 4 | Afghanistan | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -0.555 |
| 5 | Canada | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -1.526 |
Afghanistan must win remaining (UAE, Canada) + hope NZ/CAN results help. UAE needs wins + miracles (beat AFG, SA; NRR swing).
Afghanistan vs UAE – Match Prediction and Final Thoughts
Afghanistan heavy favorites (around 70-30). Superior spin suits Delhi, head-to-head dominance adds edge. Predicted win: 20-30 runs or 5-6 wickets chasing.
UAE upset possible – batting firepower targets pace, confidence from Canada win.
To fans in Afghanistan and UAE: Your support matters. Celebrate resilience, cheer loud. Cricket unites – enjoy this epic clash!
FAQs for Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 Preview
- When and where is the Afghanistan vs UAE 28th match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026? The AFG vs UAE 28th match, Group D, is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM IST (5:30 AM GMT) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, India. This crucial day game is a must-win for both teams fighting for survival.
- What time does the Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 match start for fans in Kabul and Dubai? For Afghanistan fans in Kabul, the match starts at 10:00 AM local time. UAE supporters in Dubai can tune in from 9:30 AM. Perfect timing for early gatherings to support their teams in this high-stakes Group D clash.
- How can I watch the Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 match live in India? In India, the AFG vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 preview match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar (Disney+ Hotstar). Free streaming is available for select mobile users.
- Who are the favourites in the Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 preview? Afghanistan are heavy favourites (approximately 70-30) in most Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 previews due to their superior spin attack led by Rashid Khan and an 11-3 head-to-head record.
- What is the pitch report for the AFG vs UAE match at Arun Jaitley Stadium Delhi? The Delhi pitch report for this T20 World Cup day game suggests early moisture aiding pacers, with spin coming into play later. Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 Par score batting first is expected around 160–180, and chasing has been easier in morning fixtures.
- Which players should fans watch in the Afghanistan vs UAE 28th match preview? Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 Key stars include Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Rashid Khan (one wicket from 700 T20 wickets), and UAE’s Muhammad Waseem, Sohaib Khan, and powerplay specialist Junaid Siddique.
- What are the key battles to watch in the Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 preview? Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 Epic clashes include Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Junaid Siddique in the powerplay, Rashid Khan vs Muhammad Waseem/Sohaib Khan in the middle overs, and Fazalhaq Farooqi vs UAE openers.
- What is the head-to-head record between Afghanistan and UAE ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 clash? Afghanistan dominate with an 11–3 record in T20Is. Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 They have won the last three encounters, though UAE’s last victory came in December 2023 by 11 runs.
- What do Afghanistan and UAE need to qualify from Group D in the T20 World Cup 2026? Both teams have slim hopes. Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 Afghanistan (0 points) must win their remaining games and hope for favourable results elsewhere. UAE (2 points) need victories plus major NRR boosts and upsets.
- Where can international fans stream the Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 match? Afghanistan vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 Global viewers can watch on Willow TV (North America), Sky Sports (UK select), PTV/Myco (Pakistan), CricLife MAX (UAE), Ariana Television (Afghanistan), or ICC.tv (free in many unsupported regions).