South Africa are determined to cement their place at the top spot in Group D during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Aiden Markram-led side will lock horns with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their final group-stage encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, February 18.
The Proteas have won three out of three, including a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand. While South Africa will aim to test their bench strength before the Super 8 stage of the marquee tournament, the UAE will field their best possible playing XI to cause an upset against one of the tournament’s title favourites.
This article covers the probable playing XIs for South Africa and the UAE in the upcoming clash, along with key insights into team combinations and possible tactical moves.
South Africa Playing XI vs UAE
The Proteas chased down a 176-run target against the Black Caps. To manage the workload before the high-intensity Super 8s, the management might look to rotate their pace attack.
Openers: Quinton de Kock (w) and Aiden Markram (c)
Quinton de Kock has been a key player in South Africa’s starts. Captain Aiden Markram scored a match-winning 86* off 44 balls against New Zealand, where he anchored the chase with clinical precision. The Proteas skipper reached his half-century off just 19 balls.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch
Ryan Rickelton continues at No. 3. The middle order remains explosive with Dewald Brevis and David Miller. Marco Jansen recorded a Player of the Match performance, where he dismantled the Kiwi top order with figures of 4/40.
Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, and Kwena Maphaka
South Africa might rest Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Anrich Nortje could return to gain rhythm, while teenage sensation Kwena Maphaka is likely to make his debut. Keshav Maharaj will continue to handle the spin duties on the dry Delhi track.
Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (w), Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka.
United Arab Emirates Playing XI vs South Africa
Openers: Aryansh Sharma (w) and Muhammad Waseem (c)
Aryansh Sharma was the hero against Canada, smashing an unbeaten 74 to guide the chase. Captain Muhammad Waseem is the UAE’s most dangerous asset. He has the ability to clear the ropes and will be crucial against the Proteas’ pace attack.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, and Muhammad Arfan
Sohaib Khan provided a match-winning knock of 51 off just 29 balls against Canada. Alishan Sharafu and Mayank Kumar add stability, while Harshit Kaushik offers a handy all-round option.
Bowlers: Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, and Muhammad Jawadullah
Senior pacer Junaid Siddique recorded a sensational 5/35 against Canada. Left-arm pacer Muhammad Jawadullah provides a unique angle that could trouble South Africa’s right-handers, while Haider Ali will handle the spin duties on the dry Delhi track.
Predicted XI: Aryansh Sharma (w), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah.
Also read: IND vs PAK: Why Rohit Sharma will haunt Pakistan at T20 World Cup 2026, even after retirement
