South Africa Beat UAE by 6 Wickets – Match Report (T20 World Cup 2026)
South Africa delivered a clinical all-round performance to defeat UAE by 6 wickets in the 34th Match of Group D at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. A strong bowling display set up the victory before the batters completed the chase comfortably in just over 13 overs.
UAE Innings – Sharafu Leads Fight but Total Falls Short
Batting first, UAE managed 122/6 in 20 overs, with Alishan Sharafu top-scoring with 45 off 38 balls. Captain Muhammad Waseem provided early momentum with a quick 22, but regular wickets prevented UAE from building sustained partnerships.
South Africa’s bowlers maintained tight control, particularly Corbin Bosch, who picked up 3 wickets for 12 runs, while Anrich Nortje added two wickets to restrict scoring in the death overs and keep the total well within reach.
South Africa Chase – Aggressive Start Seals Easy Win
Chasing 123, South Africa began aggressively with captain Aiden Markram scoring a rapid 28 off 11 balls to provide early momentum. Ryan Rickelton (30 off 16) and Dewald Brevis (36 off 25) then took control of the chase, attacking consistently and ensuring the required rate never became an issue.
South Africa eventually reached 123/4 in 13.2 overs, sealing the victory comfortably and boosting their standing in Group D.
Key Turning Point
The turning point of the match came during South Africa’s disciplined bowling performance in the second half of UAE’s innings, where quick wickets prevented UAE from posting a competitive total, making the chase straightforward.
Match Impact
The dominant win strengthened South Africa’s position in the group standings and highlighted their strong pace attack and aggressive batting lineup. For UAE, the match underlined the need for stronger middle-overs acceleration to compete against top sides.
Conclusion
South Africa’s balanced performance with both ball and bat proved far superior on the day. Efficient bowling followed by an aggressive chase ensured a comfortable win, reinforcing South Africa’s status as one of the strongest contenders in the T20 World Cup 2026.