ICC Men's Т20 World Cup 2026, Match 34: South Africa vs UAE
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ICC Men's Т20 World Cup 2026, Match 34: South Africa vs UAE
In a Group D finale with massive implications for the Super Eight seedings, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) clash in Match 34 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
Taking place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, this morning fixture pits a rampaging Proteas side against the most ambitious Associate nation in the tournament. South Africa has already stamped their authority on the group, while the UAE is fighting for a statement win to cap off their campaign. Catch the action live on Willow by Cricbuzz.
Head-to-Head: A Rare Encounter South Africa and the UAE have rarely crossed paths in the T20 format. While the Proteas hold a clean sheet in ODI history, the UAE's recent "giant-killer" reputation in ICC qualifiers makes them a side that cannot be ignored in subcontinental conditions.
Feb 18, 2026: Their first-ever meeting in a T20 World Cup.
ODI History: South Africa leads 2-0 (Wins in 1996 and 2015).
Team Form & Recent Results South Africa (W-W-W-L-L) The Proteas are the first team to officially qualify for the Super Eight. After a nail-biting double Super Over win against Afghanistan, they dismantled New Zealand by 7 wickets in Ahmedabad, proving they have finally found the "clarity and conviction" required for a deep tournament run.
Match 23: Defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets (Aiden Markram 86*).
Match 13: Defeated Afghanistan in a double Super Over thriller.
Match 9: Defeated Canada by 57 runs.
Status: 1st in Group D; currently undefeated in the group stage.
UAE (W-L-L-W-W) The UAE senior side arrives in Delhi with renewed hope after a clinical victory over Canada. Although they struggled against New Zealand's pace, their performance against subcontinental-style attacks has been a highlight of their preparation.
Match 20: Defeated Canada by 5 wickets (Chased 150).
Match 11: Lost to New Zealand by 10 wickets.
Series: Recently swept the GCC T20I Championship in late 2025.
Goal: Aiming to secure a top-three finish in the group to bolster their ICC ranking.
Players in Focus Aiden Markram (South Africa): The captain is in devastating form. His unbeaten 86 against New Zealand displayed his ability to dominate spin and pace alike, making him the most vital wicket for the UAE bowlers.
Muhammad Waseem (UAE): One of the most dangerous openers in world cricket. As the UAE's leading run-scorer, his battle against Kagiso Rabada in the powerplay will determine if the UAE can post a competitive total.
Marco Jansen (South Africa): The left-arm pacer has been a revelation in the powerplay, recently taking 4/40 against the Black Caps. His height and bounce on the Delhi deck will be a massive hurdle for the UAE top order.
Aayan Afzal Khan (UAE): The teenage spin prodigy. On a Delhi track that traditionally assists slow bowlers, his ability to stifle the Proteas' middle order with his accurate left-arm orthodox will be the UAE's primary tactical weapon.