Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is hanging by a thread as they head into a must-win clash against the UAE in Group D.
The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, February 16. Afghanistan are still winless after two heartbreaking defeats, including their dramatic double Super Over loss to South Africa, while UAE come in with renewed confidence after edging past Canada.
With both teams needing miracles to stay alive in the race for the Super 8s, Monday’s contest carries massive stakes.
Afghanistan vs UAE Match Details
- Match: Afghanistan vs UAE, Group D
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- Toss Time: 10:30 AM IST
- Match Start Time: 11:00 AM IST
AFG vs UAE Preview: Slim Hopes, High Pressure
Afghanistan entered the tournament as one of the favourites among associate-heavy groups, but two straight losses have left Rashid Khan’s side in a desperate situation.
Even though Afghanistan remain favourites against UAE and Canada, qualification depends on other results, making every over crucial from here.
UAE, meanwhile, have shown fighting spirit and will look to build on their win over Canada. However, they too need multiple results to go their way, including an unlikely Canada victory over New Zealand.
For both teams, it’s now about survival.
Afghanistan Team News
Afghanistan are expected to stick with an unchanged XI despite their early struggles.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has provided quick starts, but Ibrahim Zadran has yet to deliver the big innings Afghanistan need.
Their bowling remains their biggest weapon, led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
A key milestone also awaits Rashid, who is just one wicket away from 700 T20 wickets, a historic achievement.
UAE Team News
UAE will take confidence from their recent win and the familiarity of playing in Delhi again.
Sohaib Khan emerged as the match-winner against Canada with a blistering half-century, while captain Muhammad Waseem remains their key power-hitter.
The UAE’s challenge will be handling Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack, especially in the middle overs.
Players in the Spotlight
Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan need Zadran to play the anchor role and build partnerships. His intent has improved recently, but his World Cup returns have been modest so far.
Sohaib Khan (UAE)
Born in Bihar and now representing UAE, Sohaib’s explosive hitting against Canada has made him one of the most exciting associate players this tournament.
Afghanistan vs UAE Head-to-Head Record
Afghanistan dominate this matchup historically.
- Afghanistan vs UAE T20I Record: Afghanistan lead 11–3
- Afghanistan have won 4 of the last 5 meetings
But UAE have proven in the past they can spring surprises.
Pitch Report: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
This is a day game, and early moisture could help seamers in the first few overs.
Delhi is traditionally a batting-friendly surface, but spinners will come into play as the pitch slows down.
A score around 160–170 could be competitive.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Delhi is expected to be sunny, with temperatures around 25°C.
No rain threat is forecast, meaning a full match should be played.
Afghanistan vs UAE Probable Playing XI
Afghanistan (Probable XI)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
UAE (Probable XI)
Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah
Full Squads
Afghanistan Squad
Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah, Ziaur Rahman, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Mohammad Ishaq
UAE Squad
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Sohaib Khan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Harshit Kaushik, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Syed Haider, Simranjeet Singh, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid
Afghanistan vs UAE Live Streaming and Telecast Details
Where to watch AFG vs UAE live telecast in India?
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network.
Where to watch AFG vs UAE live streaming online?
Fans can watch the match live on the JioHotstar app and website.
FAQs
Q1. When is Afghanistan vs UAE match in T20 World Cup 2026?
The match will be played on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Q2. What time is the toss for AFG vs UAE?
The toss will take place at 10:30 AM IST.
Q3. Where is Afghanistan vs UAE match being played?
The match will be held at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
Q4. Where can I watch Afghanistan vs UAE live telecast in India?
The match will be shown live on Star Sports Network.
Q5. Where can I watch Afghanistan vs UAE live streaming online?
The match will be streamed live on JioHotstar app and website.
