South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, will face the United Arab Emirates (UAE), led by Muhammad Waseem, in Match No. 34 of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The clash is scheduled to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, February 18.
The Proteas will enter their final group-stage encounter after securing their Super 8s spot with a dominant seven-wicket victory over New Zealand. Captain Aiden Markram was the star of the show, smashing an unbeaten 86 to chase down 176 with ease.
With three wins in three games, South Africa will look to maintain their unbeaten streak while testing their bench strength. For the UAE, this match is a massive opportunity to test themselves against a world-class side and potentially cause a major upset.
This article covers the SA vs UAE Match 34, including the match preview, live streaming details, pitch and weather conditions, head-to-head statistics, and key records.
SA vs UAE Match Prediction: Who Will Win Match No. 34?
Match Details
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Match: South Africa vs United Arab Emirates, Match 34
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Date: February 18, 2026
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Time: 11:00 AM IST
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Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
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Live streaming: JioHotstar
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Live broadcast: Star Sports Network
SA vs UAE Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record
South Africa and the United Arab Emirates have never faced each other in T20 Internationals. The UAE will take on the Proteas for the first time on the global stage.
SA vs UAE Pitch Report & Conditions
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is known for being a batter’s paradise. With short boundaries and a quick outfield, a high-scoring encounter is expected. The new ball might offer some help to pacers early on.
SA vs UAE Weather Report
The weather in Delhi on Wednesday is expected to be pleasant and clear. With only a 10% chance of precipitation, a full match is almost guaranteed without any rain interruptions.
SA vs UAE Match Prediction: Probable XIs
South Africa Playing XI
Having already qualified for the Super 8s, the Proteas management is likely to rotate the squad to manage the workload of their key players. Kagiso Rabada might be rested to keep them fresh for the next round. Anrich Nortje could return to the fold to gain match rhythm.
Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi.
United Arab Emirates Playing XI
The UAE will likely field their strongest XI to challenge the group leaders. They will rely heavily on their captain Muhammad Waseem and the in-form Aryansh Sharma to put runs on the board.
Probable XI: Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah.
Toss Impact
The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first to exploit any early-morning moisture that could assist the seamers. On a batting-friendly surface like Delhi, chasing is the preferred strategy.
Form and Fitness
South Africa are in peak physical condition and form. Aiden Markram’s return to runs against New Zealand is a massive boost. The UAE camp is also high on confidence after their middle order steered them to victory against Canada earlier in the group stage.
Score Prediction
Given the nature of the Delhi surface, a first-innings score between 180 and 200 will be the minimum par. If the Proteas bat first, their explosive middle order could potentially push the total well beyond the 210 mark.
SA vs UAE: Players to Perform Prediction
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Marco Jansen
UAE: Muhammad Waseem, Junaid Siddique, Aryansh Sharma, Sohaib Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah
Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for South Africa? Aiden Markram or Quinton de Kock
Who will score the most runs for the UAE? Muhammad Waseem or Aryansh Sharma
Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for South Africa? Marco Jansen or Keshav Maharaj
Who will pick the most wickets for the UAE? Junaid Siddique or Muhammad Jawadullah
Conclusion: Who Will Win the SA vs UAE Match?
South Africa will enter as the overwhelming favourites. Their depth in talent and recent form should be too much for the UAE to handle. Expect the Proteas to finish the group stage unbeaten.
