South Africa cruise past UAE to enter Super 8s with perfect group record

South Africa maintained their perfect record in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, registering their fourth consecutive group-stage win with a six-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.

The Proteas’ disciplined bowling effort restricted the UAE to a modest total before their top order chased down the target with 40 balls to spare.

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Opting to bowl first under slightly overcast conditions, South Africa captain Aiden Markram saw his decision pay immediate dividends.

While UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem started positively with a few boundaries off Kagiso Rabada, the introduction of spin and clever changes of pace halted the momentum. George Linde (1/17) provided the first breakthrough by trapping Waseem LBW, before Corbin Bosch (3/12) dismantled the middle order on a tacky surface, removing key batters including Aryansh Sharma and Sohaib Khan. Alishan Sharafu top-scored with a fighting 45 off 38 balls, but the UAE struggled to accelerate and finished on a below-par 122/6.

In reply, South Africa had a quiet start before Markram and Quinton de Kock accelerated in the second over.

Markram took on Haider Ali with an 18-run over and made a quick 28 off 11 balls before falling at the end of the third over. Ryan Rickelton added a brisk 30 off 16 balls, while de Kock fell just before the powerplay as South Africa reached 56/2 after six overs. Any hopes of an upset were ended by Dewald Brevis, who scored 36 off 25 balls, as the Proteas cruised towards the target. Tristan Stubbs (6*) and Jason Smith (3*) finished the chase to seal a comprehensive win.

With this victory, South Africa topped Group D, widely considered the tournament’s “Group of Death”, after defeating New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE. The Markram-led side will now face tournament favourites India in their opening Super 8 match on February 22, carrying strong momentum into the knockout phase.