South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, will face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their final Group D fixture of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The clash between South Africa and the UAE will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, February 18.
The Proteas will look to cement their standing at the top of the group. The UAE secured their first victory over Canada. Captain Muhammad Waseem will be eager to prove that his side can go toe-to-toe with one of the tournament’s title favourites before the group stage concludes.
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 34 Preview:
Date and Venue:
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will host the Group D encounter between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, February 18.
Squads:
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Jason Smith, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka.
United Arab Emirates: Aryansh Sharma (w), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Syed Haider.
SA vs UAE Probable Playing XIs
With the Super 8s in sight, South Africa might consider minor rotations to manage their pacers’ workload while keeping the core of the side unchanged.
South Africa Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
United Arab Emirates Probable XI: Muhammad Waseem (c), Aryansh Sharma (wk), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah.
SA vs UAE: Key Battles
Quinton de Kock vs Junaid Siddique
Quinton de Kock has been the backbone of South Africa’s batting line-up. The left-handed batter can provide explosive starts. Junaid Siddique claimed a sensational 5/35 against Canada. His ability to find lateral movement in the early Delhi humidity could trouble de Kock and prevent a big Powerplay score.
Muhammad Waseem vs Kagiso Rabada
UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem is known for his raw hitting power and holds one of the highest six-hitting records in T20I history. Kagiso Rabada has been clinical in the tournament so far. His high-pace bouncers will test Waseem’s fearless approach in the first six overs.
Sohaib Khan vs Keshav Maharaj
Sohaib Khan scored a match-winning 51 off 29 balls against Canada. His technique against top-tier spin will be tested by Keshav Maharaj. Maharaj’s experience and control on a Delhi surface that traditionally assists spinners in the middle overs could be key in slowing the run flow.
David Miller vs Muhammad Jawadullah
David Miller is the finisher for the Proteas in the death overs. He will face the left-arm angle of Muhammad Jawadullah, who was exceptional against Canada with figures of 1/16. Jawadullah’s ability to nail his yorkers against Miller will determine whether South Africa finish on a high.
SA vs UAE Key Players:
South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
UAE: Muhammad Waseem, Junaid Siddique, Aryansh Sharma, Sohaib Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah.
SA vs UAE Free Live Streaming in India, Live Telecast
TV Rights in India: The SA vs UAE match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Live Streaming Platform in India: Fans can catch the match via the JioHotstar app and website.
When will the match take place? The Group D fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Where will the match be played? The match will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
How to watch the live telecast of the SA vs UAE match on television? Tune in to Star Sports channels to watch the match live.
How to live stream the match between South Africa and the UAE on mobile online? The game can be streamed live on the JioHotstar app or website.
SA vs UAE Match 34 Weather Report, Pitch Report of Arun Jaitley Stadium
SA vs UAE Weather Report of Delhi:
A bright and sunny morning is expected in the capital on February 18. Temperatures will be around 23°C-27°C during the match. With no threat of rain, fans can expect a full 40-over contest without interruptions.
SA vs UAE Pitch Report of Delhi:
The Arun Jaitley Stadium is typically a batter’s paradise. Early morning moisture might provide some help for pacers. However, the surface is expected to flatten out, making stroke play easier. Spinners are likely to come into play during the middle overs.
SA vs UAE Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics
South Africa and the UAE have never faced each other in the T20I format. The upcoming match will be the first meeting between the two teams. The UAE will test their mettle against a top-five-ranked South African side in a major tournament.
Conclusion:
South Africa will enter the match as overwhelming favourites due to their vast experience and world-class bowling depth. While the UAE have shown they can punish associate nations, keeping the Proteas’ line-up quiet for 20 overs will be a far tougher challenge.
Players like Muhammad Waseem will need to pull off individual brilliance. Otherwise, South Africa are expected to register a comfortable win and head into the Super 8s with strong momentum.
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