The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi hosts a Group D mismatch where South Africa’s relentless march toward the Super 8 meets UAE’s quest to end a creditable campaign on a high. The Proteas have been imperious three wins from three, including a dominant seven-wicket demolition of New Zealand that showcased their frightening depth. Aiden Markram is in the form of his life, the bowling attack is firing, and the Super 8 berth is secured. This is about finishing the group stage undefeated, about momentum, and perhaps about giving bench players valuable game time. UAE, by contrast, are out of Super 8 contention but have genuine reasons to hold their heads high. They pushed Afghanistan to the final over, defeated Canada, and have discovered a genuine star in Sohaib Khan back-to-back half-centuries announcing his arrival on the global stage. This is a dead rubber in name only. For UAE, it’s an opportunity to test themselves against one of the tournament’s form teams and leave with pride intact.
South Africa vs United Arab Emirates Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
RSA vs UAE, Group D T20 World Cup 2026 34th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 34th Match, Group D |
| Date | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM (IST) |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
RSA vs UAE Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
South Africa
South Africa are in imperious touch (W, W, W, L, L), with three dominant tournament wins. Their key strength is a batting lineup firing in unison. Aiden Markram is the tournament’s form batter (150 runs in 3 matches, strike rate 195, including 86* off 44 vs NZ). Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and David Miller provide explosive support. The bowling attack is lethal and deep, with Lungi Ngidi leading (8 wickets) and Marco Jansen (4/40 vs NZ) in devastating form. The psychological edge is immense; they are playing perfect cricket.
UAE
UAE’s form is mixed (L, W, L, L, L), with one tournament win and a creditable performance against Afghanistan. Their key strength is Sohaib Khan the only UAE batter to score back-to-back half-centuries in T20 World Cups, including a superb 68 off 48 against Afghanistan. Alishan Sharafu has provided consistent support. The bowling attack, led by Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Arfan, has shown flashes but lacks penetration against top-tier opposition. Their realistic objective is to compete for 40 overs and test themselves against the best.
RSA vs UAE Probable Playing XI
South Africa Probable XI-
Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller / Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje / Kagiso Rabada.
UAE Probable XI-
Aryansh Sharma (WK), Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Syed Haider, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Haider Ali, Simranjeet Singh, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah.
RSA vs UAE Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
Interpretation: This is the first-ever T20 International meeting between South Africa and the UAE. The lack of head-to-head history means UAE have no psychological baggage, but the gulf in class is the dominant narrative.
RSA vs UAE Pitch Report
The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch has been balanced in this World Cup, favoring both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score in morning matches is 158. It has been a two-paced surface where batters must work hard for their runs. Fast bowlers have picked up more wickets than spinners. A score of 180-185 is par and defendable; anything below that, and the chasing team will fancy their chances.
RSA vs UAE Weather Report
Conditions will be mostly cloudy with a high of 26°C and a low of 14°C. Humidity will be around 45%, with a 10% chance of rain. South winds at 10 km/h are expected. Play is unlikely to be interrupted.
RSA vs UAE Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first. Teams bowling first won three of the four matches at this venue in the World Cup, all in day games. The surface gets better for batting as it hardens, making chasing the preferred option.
RSA vs UAE Match Prediction
This is a dead rubber in name only, South Africa want momentum, UAE want pride.
South Africa’s case: They are playing perfect cricket. Aiden Markram is in the form of his life (strike rate 195). The middle order is deep and explosive. The bowling attack, even with potential rotation, is world-class. They have the confidence of beating New Zealand comprehensively and the motivation of finishing the group stage undefeated.
UAE’s case: They have Sohaib Khan; a genuine talent who has announced himself on the global stage with back-to-back half-centuries. Alishan Sharafu has been consistent. Junaid Siddique is a genuine wicket-taking threat. They have nothing to lose, which can sometimes be dangerous.
However, the gulf in every department is cavernous. UAE’s bowling was taken for 162 by Afghanistan in 19.2 overs South Africa’s batting is infinitely more explosive. Their batting, outside Sohaib and Sharafu, has been inconsistent.
Expect South Africa to approach this with professional intensity even with rotation, their depth is frightening. Markram may be rested, but de Kock, Rickelton, and Miller provide more than enough firepower. The bowlers, led by Jansen and Maharaj, will hunt wickets. UAE will compete Sohaib may produce another classy innings but South Africa’s superior class, depth, and momentum should see them secure a comprehensive victory and complete a perfect group stage campaign.
RSA vs UAE Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Quinton de Kock, Aryansh Sharma
- Batters: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Sohaib Khan
- All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Alishan Sharafu
- Bowlers: Lungi Ngidi, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Arfan
Captain (C) Pick: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock..
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Sohaib Khan,Lungi Ngidi.
