Match 34 of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup on Saturday sees South Africa play their fourth and final group match against the United Arab Emirates.
The Proteas took care of business in their first match, beating a plucky Canada side by 57 runs. They then took down Afghanistan in the second of two super overs to pick up their second win of the World Cup. That set up a low-stakes clash with New Zealand, with both sides already through to the Super 8 stage, but it was important for confidence heading into the latter stages of the tournament.
South Africa beat the Black Caps by seven wickets on Saturday, meaning that anything other than a NRR killing defeat at the hands of the UAE will see the Proteas top Group D.
Here is a look ahead at the contest.
South Africa VS UAE Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
South Africa VS UAE Date: Wednesday, February 18
South Africa VS UAE Odds:
History
If New Zealand is one of the favourites for this competition, a field that is slimmer following Australia’s shocking group-stage exit, then the Proteas are looking great.
South Africa cruised to victory over the Black Caps in Ahmedabad on Valentine’s Day, with Aiden Markram once again providing the batting spark that carried his side home.
It was a captain’s performance. One that saw Markram, along with Quinon de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, destroy New Zealand’s bowling as they reached 83-1 at the end of the powerplay. Markram finished unbeaten on 86, reaching his half-century in an insane 19 balls.
While the run rate was eventually slowed, South Africa had done way too much damage early. They reached their target of 176 with just under three overs remaining, with the result never looking in doubt as they kept the run rate on their side and wickets in hand.
South Africa
Marco Janesne took four wickets against the Black Caps as he gave up 40 runs in four overs. His overs were important, claiming dangerous openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, then adding the wicket of No. 3 man Rachin Ravindra, in quick succession. Jansen is 73/20 to be the best bowler in this one.
This is the Proteas first match outside of Ahmedabad, and it will be interesting to see if the selectors pick the same team and stay strong or opt for some rotation.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE played well in their last match against Afghanistan. Sohaib Khan scored 68 from 48 balls, and it took the favored Afghanistan side until the final over to hit their total of 161 and win by five wickets. Given that Afghanistan took South Africa to a pair of super overs, the UAE will not be overawed by the occasion on Wednesday.
Best Bets
South Africa will be glad they have already put in the work to make this one a dead rubber. There is a major threat of rain on Wednesday, and the Proteas have fallen foul to weather induced heartbreak in the past. A day of no play on Wednesday would be nothing more than a day off ahead of the Super 8’s.
Markram at 31/10 is a great shout as the best bat with the wild form he is currently showing.
