SA vs UAE Highlights T20 World Cup 2026: Super 8-Bound South Africa Beat UAE By 6 Wickets To Stay Unbeaten

What's next? This game may have been a dead rubber, but the next one carries everything on the line. With a single spot left in the Super Eight stage from Group A, Pakistan face Namibia in an important clash. A win sends Pakistan through, while a loss would hand the spot to the USA, who are currently second in the group standings. Pakistan have opted to bat first at the Sinhalese Sports Club of Colombo. However, a bit of rain is predicted there as well. Let's hope that the contest is not affected by the unforgiving Sri Lankan weather. And remember, even a washout would send Pakistan through to the next stage. So do switch the tabs and follow all the live action from that game. From here, we sign off. Cheers!

A wrap on the dead rubber - So South Africa head into the Super Eights with all the momentum on their side. They will now move to Ahmedabad to lay the base for their Super 8 campaign, starting with their clash against India on Sunday, 22nd February, followed by the game against West Indies on Thursday, 26th February. Meanwhile, the UAE will head back home with a lot of learnings and a promise to perform better next time around.

The victorious captain of South Africa - Aiden Markram says it was all about testing the bench strength, adding that the boys were waiting to get an opportunity and get out there to perform for the team. Says that it was great to see them grabbing those chances with both hands. Highlights how well the bowling unit executed their plans on the wicket. He adds that it gave the group confidence, knowing that every player in the 15 is in a good space. Adds the conditions were slightly different, with rain and weather affecting play. He describes the pitch as a bit tacky in the morning with slightly lower bounce, but says it was a valuable experience in such conditions. He expects the team to reflect on what worked today and keep that in mind when they return for their next match. On the fielding lapses, Markram admits that the team let themselves down and fell short of the mark, particularly in terms of attitude. He notes that, fortunately, there is some time before their first Super 8 game, which will allow them to regroup and focus on backing their strengths when it matters most.

The captain of UAE - Muhammad Waseem says it was a tough outing as a batting unit, especially in the middle phase. Acknowledges they are in a learning process, and they need to learn from experienced players. Mentions that the boys played excellent cricket throughout the tournament. Aryansh Sharma, Alishan Sharafu and others were exceptional. Ends by appreciating the support they are getting and admits they won't be happy with the results, but still applauds the support.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Corbin Bosch gets the award for his fine spell of 4-0-12-3. Bosch starts by saying that it was all about keeping it pretty basic, trying to keep the plans nice and simple and there was nip early on to aid the pacers. Adds that he's got some great pacers coming in ahead of him, from whom he can learn a lot and the first couple of deliveries are always a bit nervy but once you get one in the right area, the nerves go out. Feels that they are well-versed with the conditions in Ahmedabad and are looking forward to the challenge. Reiterates that he tried to keep things very simple with the ball today. On surpassing 100 T20 wickets, Bosch says that he feels good to have achieved it but is focused on the games ahead.

... The Presentation Ceremony ...

Not enough on the board - From the UAE’s perspective, there simply weren’t enough runs on the board for their bowlers to make a real impact. On the bright side, Haider Ali claimed a wicket, which was the first by a UAE spinner in this World Cup, while Dhruv Parashar bowled a tidy and economical spell early in the innings. Ultimately, the game was decided by the boundary count, with UAE hitting only 12 and South Africa striking 18.

A modest chase - South Africa were chasing at just over a run-a-ball, and after a brief rain delay, Markram came out firing before Haider cut his innings short. Quinton de Kock never really got going and fell soon after. Even so, 56/2 in the Powerplay gave them a solid foundation, leaving the rest to a steady partnership to see the chase through. Brevis and Rickelton combined together for a quickfire 49-run stand to put the game to bed. Brevis couldn't finish the game, but his 36 off 25 would massively help him going in the Super Eights.

An inning that never really took off - The UAE burst out of the blocks with real intent, but the momentum dipped sharply after Muhammad Waseem’s dismissal. From there, scoring became a grind against a disciplined South African attack that kept tightening the screws. Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Corbin Bosch, and Kwena Maphaka maintained a firm grip, while the early move to bring on George Linde paid off instantly. What began with promise never truly evolved into a substantial innings. Alishan Sharafu held one end with 45, but partnerships were hard to come by. Linde kept things tight with 1/17, and Bosch made a telling impact, finishing with 3/12. Despite a slightly untidy effort in the field, South Africa stayed in control throughout on a subdued morning in Delhi.

A spotless record - Well, a very comfortable win for South Africa as they maintain a clean record in the group stage, winning four out of four. According to Shaun Pollock on air, under Aiden Markram’s captaincy, South Africa have now won 14 of 15 T20 World Cup matches, including this one. Their only loss under him came in the 2024 final against India, highlighting just how dominant Markram’s record has been. A tough and rather very underwhelming tournament for the UAE. Barring their win against Canada, they just couldn't produce a collective performance as they end their journey in this World Cup here. They batted first thrice in the competition, and lost all three, having very middling scores to defend.

A single and that will do! Into the surface and bowls it on leg, Smith pulls off the gloves to fine leg for a single. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 6 WICKETS.

Back of a length, outside off. Tristan Stubbs gets on his toes and guides it to backward point for a sharp single. South Africa are a hit away.

Straighter delivery on middle, driven down to long off for a single.

Drops it full and floats it outside off. Tristan Stubbs leans across and pushes it to cover.

Flat and slow, outside off, Jason Smith slaps it to deep cover for a run.

Flights it very full and outside off, TS strokes it through point for a single.

Jason Smith tries to launch it away as he gets low but Muhammad Farooq bowls it  a bit too full and outside off, this is hit to long off for one.

A length delivery, outside off, Tristan Stubbs punches it firmly to deep cover and scampers across for one.

Short in length, outside off, Jason Smith cuts well but can't get it past backward point.

Touch fuller, wide outside off. Smith leans and punches it square of the wicket.