South Africa to Face UAE in ICC T20 World Cup 2026
South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, is set to take on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), led by Muhammad Waseem, in Match No. 34 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled to happen at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, February 18. The Proteas secured their spot in the Super 8s after a dominating seven-wicket victory over New Zealand, with Captain Aiden Markram stealing the show by scoring an unbeaten 86 to chase down 176 runs. South Africa, with an unbeaten streak of three wins in three games, will be looking to test their bench strength while maintaining their top form. On the other hand, the UAE sees this match as a significant opportunity to challenge a top-tier team and potentially cause an upset.
SA vs UAE Match Details
Match: South Africa vs United Arab Emirates, Match 34
Date: February 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM IST
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Live streaming: JioHotstar
Live broadcast: Star Sports Network
SA vs UAE Head-to-Head Record and Pitch Conditions
The match between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates will mark their first encounter in T20 Internationals. The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is known for favoring batsmen with its short boundaries and quick outfield, hinting at a high-scoring game. The weather in Delhi is expected to be clear with minimal chances of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
Predicted Lineups and Toss Impact
South Africa may rotate their squad to manage player workload, with Kagiso Rabada likely to be rested. On the other hand, the UAE is expected to field their strongest XI. The toss-winning captain is likely to bowl first to take advantage of any early moisture on the pitch. Both teams are in good form, with Aiden Markram leading South Africa’s charge and Muhammad Waseem steering the UAE side.
Key Players and Score Predictions
Players to watch out for in this match include Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, and Dewald Brevis from South Africa, and Muhammad Waseem, Junaid Siddique, and Aryansh Sharma from the UAE. Given the nature of the pitch, a first-innings score between 180 and 200 is expected to be par, with the Proteas boasting the potential to go well beyond 210 if they bat first.
Match Prediction
South Africa enters the match as the favorites, backed by their talent and recent form. The Proteas are expected to finish the group stage undefeated, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.
Overall, the SA vs UAE match promises to be an exciting encounter between two competitive teams, each with its own strengths and strategies. Cricket fans can look forward to an action-packed game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi as the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 continues to unfold.
Team Preparations and Strategies
As South Africa gears up to face the United Arab Emirates in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, both teams are likely to focus on their key strengths and strategies to secure a victory. South Africa, known for their explosive batting lineup and potent bowling attack, will look to maintain their aggressive approach on the field. Captain Aiden Markram’s leadership will play a crucial role in guiding the team towards another win.
On the other hand, the UAE team, led by Muhammad Waseem, will aim to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Proteas’ lineup. The UAE side, comprising talented players who have shown resilience in the tournament so far, will rely on their disciplined bowling and solid batting to challenge South Africa’s dominance. With both teams hungry for a win, the match is sure to be a thrilling contest.
Importance of Toss and Field Conditions
The toss will hold significant importance in the SA vs UAE match, especially considering the pitch conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Given the nature of the pitch favoring batsmen, the team winning the toss may opt to bat first to set a challenging total. However, the early moisture on the pitch could also tempt the captain to bowl first and make use of any assistance for the bowlers.
The captain who makes the right decision at the toss and adapts to the field conditions efficiently will have an advantage in dictating the course of the match. Both teams will need to assess the pitch early on and adjust their strategies accordingly to gain the upper hand.
Player Form and Impact on the Match
Player performance will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the SA vs UAE clash. Aiden Markram, with his consistent run-scoring ability, will be pivotal for South Africa’s success. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a threat to the UAE bowlers. Alongside Markram, players like Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis have the potential to turn the game in South Africa’s favor with their aggressive batting.
For the UAE team, the onus will be on players like Muhammad Waseem, Junaid Siddique, and Aryansh Sharma to deliver standout performances. These players will need to showcase their skills with the bat and ball to challenge the Proteas and create opportunities for their team to clinch a win.
Match Outcome and Potential Upsets
While South Africa enters the match as the favorites based on their strong team composition and recent form, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and the UAE team cannot be underestimated. The UAE side has shown determination and resilience in previous matches, and they have the potential to cause an upset if they execute their plans effectively.
With the pressure mounting on both teams to secure a victory, the SA vs UAE match promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts. As the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 unfolds, fans can expect intense competition and exciting cricketing action as these two teams battle it out on the field.
As the cricketing world awaits the outcome of this exciting encounter, all eyes will be on the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where South Africa and the UAE will lock horns in a high-stakes match that could have significant implications for their journey in the tournament.


