South Africa will look to stay unbeaten and finish the group stage with a perfect record when they take on the United Arab Emirates in their final Group D clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The Proteas have already booked their spot in the Super 8s after three straight wins, but the match in Delhi offers them a chance to sharpen their edge before the knockout phase.
For UAE, it’s a different story — qualification is out of reach, but pride and the possibility of a famous giant-killing upset will be more than enough motivation.
Big Picture: Will South Africa Stay Perfect?
Rain may hover over South Africa’s last league fixture, but unlike previous tournaments, there is no qualification anxiety this time around.
Aiden Markram’s men have been clinical so far, winning all three matches and marching into the Super 8s with confidence.
This game also marks South Africa’s first outing away from Ahmedabad in the tournament, making conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium a fresh test.
With the next round in mind, South Africa could rotate a few players, but the hunger to carry momentum forward remains strong.
UAE Eye One Last Statement Win
UAE may not have a Super 8 ticket to chase, but they have shown enough fight to believe they can trouble the big teams.
Their last match against Afghanistan saw encouraging knocks from Alishan Sharafu and Sohaib Khan, while the bowlers kept things tight for long periods.
Captain Muhammad Waseem will be eager to lead from the front and sign off their campaign with a performance to remember.
A South Africa scalp would be one of the biggest moments in UAE cricket history.
Players in Spotlight
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
It’s been a quieter-than-usual tournament for Rabada, with only two wickets in three matches. Heading into the Super 8s, the pace spearhead will want to hit top gear.
Muhammad Waseem (UAE)
UAE’s most experienced batter started the tournament with a fifty but has struggled since. Against South Africa’s elite attack, UAE need their captain at his best.
South Africa vs UAE: Probable Playing XI
South Africa Playing XI (Probable)
- Aiden Markram (capt)
- 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 Playing XI (Probable)
- Muhammad Waseem (capt)
- Aryansh Sharma (wk)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Sohaib Khan
- Syed Haider
- Harshit Kaushik
- Muhammad Arfan
- Haider Ali
- Simranjeet Singh
- Junaid Siddique
- Muhammad Jawadullah
Pitch Report: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
The match will be played on a surface that has produced mixed returns.
While India posted 209 here earlier, most totals have stayed under 160, with the ball gripping and staying low, especially in day games.
Expect spinners and cutters to play a key role in the middle overs.
Stats & Trivia
- This will be the first-ever T20I meeting between South Africa and UAE.
- South Africa have beaten UAE twice in ODIs previously.
- Aiden Markram is just 105 runs away from becoming South Africa’s fourth-highest T20I run-scorer.
Match Details: Toss Time & Start Time
- Match: South Africa vs UAE, Group D
- Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Toss Time
⏰ 10:30 AM IST
Match Start Time
⏰ 11:00 AM IST
South Africa vs UAE Live Streaming & Telecast
Live Telecast in India
đź“ş Star Sports Network
Live Streaming in India
📱 JioHotstar app and website
When will the South Africa vs UAE match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The South Africa vs UAE match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on Wednesday, February 18.
What will be the venue for the South Africa vs UAE match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
The South Africa vs UAE match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
What time will the toss for the South Africa vs UAE match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The toss for the South Africa vs UAE match will take place at 10:30 AM IST.
What time will the first ball of the South Africa vs UAE match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 be bowled?
The first ball of the South Africa vs UAE match will be bowled at 11:00 AM IST.
Where to watch the live telecast of the South Africa vs UAE match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live telecast of the South Africa vs UAE match will be available on the Star Sports Network in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the South Africa vs UAE match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live streaming of the South Africa vs UAE match will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
