South Africa delivered a commanding performance to defeat United Arab Emirates by six wickets in the 34th Match of Group D at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. After opting to bowl first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the Proteas restricted UAE to a modest 122/6 before chasing down the target in just 13.2 overs, thanks to an explosive top-order display. Corbin Bosch emerged as the undisputed hero of the night with a sensational spell that broke the backbone of the UAE innings.
Corbin Bosch leads disciplined bowling effort for the Proteas
South Africa’s decision to field first paid immediate dividends as their bowlers maintained relentless pressure from the outset. While Kagiso Rabada and Kwena Maphaka went wicketless, they kept things tight enough to deny UAE any early momentum.
Anrich Nortje struck twice in his four-over spell, conceding 28 runs and unsettling the middle order with his pace. However, it was Corbin Bosch who stole the spotlight. The all-rounder delivered a match-defining spell of 3/12 in four overs, dismantling UAE’s lower order and ensuring the total never got out of hand. His accuracy and clever variations proved too much for the batters on a slightly sluggish surface. George Linde also played his part with an economical 1/17, further squeezing the scoring opportunities during the middle overs.
Alishan Sharafu’s lone resistance lifts UAE to 122
Batting first, UAE struggled to build sustained partnerships. Waseem Muhammad provided early fireworks with a brisk 22 off 12 balls, striking four boundaries. However, wickets at regular intervals prevented them from capitalising on the powerplay.
Alishan Sharafu stood tall amid the collapse, compiling a steady 45 off 38 deliveries, including five fours and a six. He tried to anchor the innings, but lacked adequate support from the other end. Aryansh Sharma chipped in with 13, while the middle and lower order failed to accelerate, leaving UAE with a below-par total of 122/6 in their 20 overs.
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Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton set the tone in the chase
South Africa approached the chase with aggressive intent. Captain Aiden Markram came out blazing, smashing 28 off just 11 balls with five fours and a six to put UAE immediately on the back foot. Although Quinton de Kock fell after a brief stay, Ryan Rickelton ensured the momentum never dipped.
Rickelton played a fluent knock of 30 off 16 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes. Dewald Brevis then added the finishing touches with a composed yet powerful 36 off 25 deliveries, clearing the ropes three times.
Despite picking up four wickets, UAE’s bowlers never truly threatened. Haider Ali, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Arfan and Muhammad Farooq managed a wicket each, but the target proved far too small to defend.
South Africa make it four in four and storm into the Super 8s unbeaten.#SAvsUAE #T20WorldCup2026
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/pLSV3QNZ8s pic.twitter.com/j04hmJKLoK— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 18, 2026
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