South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026 is set to light up Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on 18 February 2026. This 34th Match of Group D promises high drama even though it is a dead rubber for one side. South Africa have already stormed into the Super Eights with a perfect 3-0 record. UAE have bowed out after New Zealand beat Canada, but the Associates are hungry to end their campaign with a giant-killing scalp against the 2024 runners-up.
Proteas fans are buzzing for a 4-0 sweep and perfect momentum heading into the business end. UAE supporters will be roaring for one magical upset that every Associate nation dreams about. The morning start at 11:00 AM IST (5:30 AM GMT) adds extra spice – fresh pitch, possible early seam, and no dew to worry about.
Aiden Markram said it best: “I don’t think I’ll be a proper slogger… but with the intent to still get the team off to a fly.” Muhammed Waseem, UAE captain, added: “The more we play cricket with the Test nations… you have seen that the associate countries are performing well.”
This ultimate preview guide dives deep into every angle so you, the passionate cricket fan, walk away fully prepared. Let’s break it all down step by step.
Match Essentials: When, Where & How to Watch South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026
Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Time: 11:00 AM IST (Local Delhi time) | 5:30 AM GMT
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Capacity: 41,000–48,000
Ends: Stadium End, Pavilion End
Toss: Expected at 10:30 AM IST. History and conditions scream one thing – the winner of the toss will almost certainly bowl first. Early morning moisture helps pacers, the ball grips later for spinners, and chasing sides have won 12 out of 18 T20Is here.
Broadcast in India
- TV: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, 1 Hindi, 2, etc.)
- Streaming: JioHotstar (free on JioCinema app for mobile users in India)
Global fans can catch it on Sky Sports (UK), ESPN+ (USA), Fox Sports (Australia) or ICC.tv for highlights.
How fans can enjoy it
Proteas faithful in South Africa can wake up early with coffee and braai vibes. UAE supporters in Dubai or Abu Dhabi will gather at fan zones or watch parties. Stadium tickets are listed as “Coming Soon” on BookMyShow – prices start from ₹250. Digital tickets only, no refunds for rain.
This South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026 clash may not decide qualification, but it will decide whether South Africa stay perfect and whether UAE leave the tournament with their heads held high.
South Africa’s Dominant Campaign: Why the Proteas Are Unstoppable
South Africa have been the most complete team in Group D so far. Three wins, zero losses, net run rate +1.477 – they are flying.
Key wins so far
- 9th Match vs Canada (Ahmedabad): SA 213/4, Canada 156/8 – 57-run win
- 13th Match vs Afghanistan: Match tied, SA won 2nd Super Over (dramatic thriller)
- 24th Match vs New Zealand: SA won by 7 wickets with 17 balls to spare
Batting depth is incredible. Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs have all chipped in. Even when top order wobbles, middle order rescues them.
Bowling is world-class. Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi set the tone with pace. Kagiso Rabada (only 2 wickets so far) is due for a big performance. Keshav Maharaj controls the middle overs perfectly. Corbin Bosch adds all-round balance.
Recent form (last 5 T20Is): W W W L W
Rotation possibilities
With qualification secured, South Africa can rest stars and give game time to Jason Smith, Anrich Nortje or Kwena Maphaka. George Linde could replace Maharaj for left-arm spin variety.
Albie Morkel, specialist coach, said: “The World Cup starts now.” Every Proteas fan feels the same – this South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026 match is the perfect dress rehearsal for Super Eights glory.
The squad has used 12 players already. Unused stars like Jason Smith are itching to shine. This balance and squad depth make South Africa the team to beat.
UAE’s Journey: Pride, Progress and One Last Giant-Killing Chance
UAE have played with heart in their maiden full T20 World Cup campaign among 20 teams.
Results so far
- Lost to New Zealand by 10 wickets
- Beat Canada by 5 wickets (narrow, fighting win)
- Lost to Afghanistan by 5 wickets
Alishan Sharafu and Sohaib Khan showed real fight with the bat against Afghanistan. Junaid Siddique’s pace and Muhammad Arfan’s economy gave everyone hope. Captain Muhammad Waseem led from the front with a fifty against NZ.
Head coach Lalchand Rajput summed it up perfectly: “The last two games, we really proved that we are a better team than what was expected after the first game.”
UAE fans should celebrate every competitive over. Every boundary scored against a full-member side is a proud moment for Associate cricket. This South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026 clash gives them one final chance to create history.
Head-to-Head Record: South Africa vs United Arab Emirates
T20Is: 0 matches (first-ever meeting today!)
ODIs: 2 matches, South Africa won both
South Africa are heavy favourites, but T20 cricket is the great equaliser. One bad day from the Proteas and UAE magic can happen. History favours SA, but the stage is set for a giant-killing story.
Table: Head-to-Head Summary
| Format | Matches | SA Wins | UAE Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Confirmed & Probable Playing XIs – South Africa vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026
South Africa Probable XI
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Dewald Brevis
- David Miller
- Tristan Stubbs / Jason Smith
- Marco Jansen
- Corbin Bosch
- Kagiso Rabada
- Keshav Maharaj / George Linde
- Lungi Ngidi / Anrich Nortje
UAE Probable XI (likely unchanged)
- Muhammad Waseem (c)
- Aryansh Sharma (wk)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Sohaib Khan
- Syed Haider
- Harshit Kaushik
- Muhammad Arfan
- Haider Ali
- Simranjeet Singh
- Junaid Siddique
- Muhammad Jawadullah
Table: Full Squads
South Africa Squad
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock †, Ryan Rickelton †, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Jason Smith, George Linde
UAE Squad
Muhammad Waseem (c), Aryansh Sharma †, Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Syed Haider †, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Haider Ali, Simranjeet Singh, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Rohid, Dhruv Parashar, Mayank Kumar
Players to Watch: Stars Who Will Decide South Africa vs United Arab Emirates
Quinton de Kock (SA) – 403 runs in last 9 T20Is @ 44.78 avg, 178 SR. Explosive opener who sets the tone.
Aiden Markram (SA) – 363 runs @ 45.38 avg. Just 105 runs away from becoming SA’s 4th highest T20I run-scorer.
Kagiso Rabada (SA) – Only 2 wickets so far but hungry. Fast bowlers loved the last Delhi game.
Lungi Ngidi (SA) – 15 wickets in last 8 T20Is @ 7.78 econ. Death-over specialist.
Marco Jansen (SA) – 11 wickets @ 8.81 econ. Bounce and all-round value.
Muhammad Waseem (UAE) – Captain, top run-getter. Needs to fire against SA pace.
Alishan Sharafu (UAE) – 352 runs in last 10 T20Is @ 132 SR. In-form opener.
Junaid Siddique (UAE) – 14 wickets @ 7.7 econ. 5-fer hero vs Canada.
Muhammad Arfan (UAE) – 11 wickets @ 6.67 econ. Economical death bowler.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch Report & Delhi T20 Records – SA vs UAE 2026
Venue Stats Table (T20Is)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is | 18 |
| Wins batting first | 6 |
| Wins bowling first | 12 |
| Avg 1st innings score | 150 |
| Avg 2nd innings score | 136 |
| Highest total | 221/9 (IND vs BAN) |
| Lowest total | 116/10 (NAM vs IND) |
| Highest successful chase | 212/3 (SA vs IND) |
In T20 World Cup 2026 (4 matches so far): Chasing teams won 3-1. Only successful defence was India’s 209 vs Namibia.
Pitch behaviour for this day game
Early seam movement for pacers. Ball grips later – spinners like Maharaj will love it. Short square boundaries (65m) help six-hitters but two-paced nature makes death overs tricky. Par score: 175–185. Expect 170+ if SA bat first, easier chase if UAE set target.
South Africa have won both previous T20Is at this venue. Perfect hunting ground for the Proteas.
Weather Forecast Delhi 18 February 2026: Rain Threat & Impact on SA vs UAE
Temperature: 23–26°C (pleasant)
Condition: Overcast, yellow alert issued
Rain probability: 20–40% (light drizzle or isolated showers possible, especially morning)
Humidity: >50%
Wind: 6–10 km/h
Dew: Negligible (day match).
DLS will apply if rain shortens the game. Light drizzle could help UAE spinners grip the ball more or give pacers extra swing – exactly what the Associates need against SA’s strong batting.
Tactical Breakdown: How South Africa and UAE Will Approach the Crucial Clash
Powerplay plans, middle-overs control (Maharaj vs UAE middle order), death-over strategies, batting orders – everything dissected.
South Africa will likely bowl first, use pace in powerplay, spin squeeze, then finish with death bowlers. UAE will look to attack early, rotate strike, and hope for a batting collapse.
For more stats ESPNcricinfo.
South Africa vs UAE 2026 Prediction: Who Will Win & By How Much?
South Africa to win: 85–90%
UAE to win: 10–15%
Predicted margin: SA by 6–8 wickets or 40+ runs.
Most likely scenario: SA bowl first, restrict UAE to 140–155, chase comfortably in 17–18 overs.
3 realistic scoreline scenarios
- SA bowl first, UAE 148/8, SA chase in 18.2 overs (7 wickets)
- SA bat first, post 182/6, UAE fall short by 35 runs
- Rain-shortened thriller – SA win via DLS by 12 runs
Why Every Fan Should Watch South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026
This match still matters hugely. For South Africa it is about momentum, perfect record and NRR cushion into Super Eights. For UAE it is about pride, learning and showing the world Associate cricket is growing.
Every boundary, every wicket, every celebration will be special. The bigger picture for global cricket – full members vs Associates – gets another inspiring chapter.
Proteas faithful, get ready to cheer your team to 4-0! UAE supporters, make some noise and dream big!
Game On – Kotla awaits! 🏏
Final Verdict: South Africa will win this South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026 clash professionally, but cricket lovers everywhere will enjoy every moment of the contest.
Share this with your cricket group, comment below who you think will shine brightest, and enjoy the match tomorrow!
FAQs: South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026
1. When and where is the South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026 34th Match Group D? The RSA vs UAE 34th Match, Group D, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 February 2026 at 11:00 AM IST (5:30 AM GMT) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
2. What is the Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch report 2026 for South Africa vs UAE? In the four T20 World Cup 2026 matches at Delhi, chasing teams have won 3-1. Expect early seam movement and later grip in this day game. Par score is 175–185. Fast bowlers will dominate the morning conditions.
3. Who is likely to win South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026? South Africa are 85–90% favourites to win and maintain their perfect 4-0 record. UAE have a 10–15% giant-killing chance if SA suffer a batting collapse.
4. Will South Africa rotate players in the RSA vs UAE 34th Match Group D? Yes. With qualification already secured, Proteas may rest key stars and hand debuts to Jason Smith, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka or George Linde.
5. How to watch South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026 live in India? TV: Star Sports Network | Streaming: JioHotstar (free on JioCinema app). Toss at 10:30 AM IST.
6. What is the predicted score and margin for RSA vs UAE Delhi clash? Most likely: SA bowl first, restrict UAE to 140–155, and chase comfortably by 6–8 wickets or 40+ runs in 17–18 overs.
7. Who are the key players to watch in South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026? Quinton de Kock (403 runs), Aiden Markram (363 runs), Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi (15 wkts), Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu (352 runs), Junaid Siddique (14 wkts).
8. What is the weather forecast for South Africa vs UAE on 18 February 2026? 23–26°C, overcast, 20–40% chance of light drizzle. No dew in day game. DLS will apply if rain interrupts.
9. Has South Africa ever played UAE before in T20Is? This is the first-ever T20I between the two sides. South Africa have won both previous ODIs.
10. Why should fans watch the dead-rubber South Africa vs United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026 match? It’s a perfect dress rehearsal for SA’s Super Eights campaign and UAE’s final chance to create Associate cricket history against a full-member giant.