HIGHLIGHTS South Africa vs United Arab Emirates, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 34 T20- Result, Scorecard

Finally, the players are back on the field as it is time for South Africa's time to reply with the bat. The UAE players form a huddle near the ropes before they scatter across the park to take their spots. Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock are the two South African openers. The UAE are starting off with spin as Dhruv Parashar has the new ball. Markram to take the strike. A slip in place. Here we go!

... The Run Chase ...

7.52 am GMT. Covers come off again - Positive visuals coming in from Delhi as the covers are now off and the super-sopper is making the rounds. Hopefully, there is no further drizzle and the game can resume at the earliest. According to a few sources, play is set to resume at 8 am GMT. So, strap in and get ready for the action.

7.38 am GMT. Another update coming in - The play is, or rather was, scheduled to resume at 7.40 am GMT according to a few sources. However, the drizzle has returned, and the covers that started to come off are back in place once again. A bit of a frustrating delay, stick around for more updates.

Group A on a knife's edge - Meanwhile, it seems to be raining in Colombo as well. Pakistan are scheduled to play Namibia in a do-or-die encounter at the SSC ground, but if the rain plays spoilsport, Pakistan will qualify for the Super 8 stage, as they will move one point ahead of USA, who currently are in 2nd position thanks to a superior net run-rate.

7.28 am GMT. Rain stops and covers coming off - Good news for cricket fans. The live visuals from the Arun Jaitley Stadium show that the covers are coming off and it looks like we will get a resumption time shortly. Stay tuned for the latest updates.

A quick resumption or a long delay? Unlikely rainy weather in Delhi this time of the year but it is what it is. For now, the covers are on and unless the drizzle completely stops, the second innings cannot start. South Africa will be itching to go out there and finish the group stage on a high. UAE won't mind this break as it gives them time to regroup and their pacers might enjoy bowling on a freshly drizzled pitch. Stick around as we bring you the latest updates regarding the resumption of play.

The broadcasters are in conversation with George Linde - Linde says the pitch did most of the work for him, and his job was simply to hit the right areas, which fortunately came off. He admits he was under pressure after the previous game. On the conditions, he notes the surface was low and skiddy, something the players had to adjust to. He adds that in a World Cup, you’re always excited to play whenever selected, and when you’re not, you focus on covering all bases in training. He also stresses the importance of winning this game to carry momentum into the Super 8 stage.

UAE's inconsistency with the bat - United Arab Emirates continue to struggle up top with the bat and it has really been a tournament to forget for their talismanic skipper, Muhammad Waseem. Waseem did get 22 quick runs today but it was still far from what he is capable of. Alishan Sharafu and Sohaib Khan have done the heavy lifting more often than not for the UAE and after Sohaib got out early today, Sharafu kept fighting through and was a bit unlucky to miss out on a half-century. In the end, the UAE bowlers have their work cut out if they are to make the Proteas sweat in what seems like a straightforward run chase.

Proteas test their bench strength - As the covers come on at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the Proteas head into the break in prime position to make it 4 wins out of 4. South Africa opted to give a rest to their in-form bowlers and decided to make three changes in the bowling department. It wasn't the best of starts in the Powerplay, especially for Kagiso Rabada, but the Proteas pulled things back brilliantly in the middle overs. The likes of George Linde and Corbin Bosch were the best of the bunch, with the latter picking up 3 wickets as well. Anrich Nortje too got a couple of wickets but Rabada had a couple of catches put down off his bowling and ended wicketless. Despite a couple of really straightforward catches going down, they managed to restrict the UAE to a very sub-par total.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Corbin Bosch to Muhammad Farooq, Farooq shuffles a long way across the off stump and Corbin lasers a full ball, following the batter to cramp him up for space. Farooq goes for a scoop shot, but fails to put his bat on the ball. Quinton de Kock dives to his right and gathers the ball and the batters dash off for a bye. So just 4 runs from the final over. UAE FINISH AT 122/6.

Corbin Bosch to Dhruv Parashar, Short at shoulder height, Dhruv Parashar plays the evasive pull shot off the back foot to deep fine leg for a run.

Corbin Bosch to Dhruv Parashar, Into the pitch, zips through the deck, short and outside off, Dhruv tries to ramp it behind, but the extra bounce beats his bat.

Corbin Bosch to Muhammad Farooq, Short of a length, outside off, Farooq works it through point for a single.

Out goes Muhammad Arfan, in comes Muhammad Farooq.

Corbin Bosch to Muhammad Arfan, OUT! TAKEN SAFELY! Safely because South Africa have dropped a few sitters today. At 139.1 kph, it’s a short-of-a-length delivery outside off. Muhammad Arfan rocks back and goes for the pull, but gets it high off the top half of the bat and he is no control of the shot. The fielder at deep mid-wicket moves to his left, settles under it, and completes a comfortable catch. Corbin gets his third wicket. UAE are 119/6.

Corbin Bosch to Dhruv Parashar, Back of a length and outside off, swatted down to long off for a single.

Corbin Bosch (3-0-9-2) to bowl the final over. Can the United Arab Emirates get close to the 130 mark?

Kwena Maphaka to Dhruv Parashar, Slower short ball, on top of off and middle. Dhruv Parashar creates room by staying leg side, tries to flat bat it over cover, but the ball flies behind off the outside edge. Deep third collects the ball to his left on a couple of bounces. The batters cross for a single. Just 4 runs from the penultimate over.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Arfan, Short and it holds on the surface, around off, Arfan stands tall and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

It has started to drizzle at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The artificial lights are on. So far, it's light and we should probably see off this innings easily.

Kwena Maphaka to Dhruv Parashar, A slower one, pitched outside leg, full in length, this is flicked through square leg for an easy run.

Kwena Maphaka to Dhruv Parashar, A rib-tickler by Maphaka, short and on the leg stump line. Dhruv Parashar tries to duck-pull by getting inside the line, but misses. Not called a wide.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Arfan, Much fuller, on middle and off, Arfan heaves off the inner half. A bit uppishly but on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Arfan, A cutter, into the pitch, short and outside off, Arfan backs away to play the uppercut, but misses due to the lack of pace.

Anrich Nortje to Muhammad Arfan, Full on the stumps, clubbed to long on for a single.

Anrich Nortje to Dhruv Parashar, Short of a good length, outside off, Dhruv Parashar cuts it to deep point for a single.

South Africa finally hold onto a catch. Dhruv Parashar is the next batter in, replacing Alishan Sharafu.

Anrich Nortje to Alishan Sharafu, OUT! HIGH IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! Almost a collision and another dropped catch, but Maphaka does well to hold on to it. Anrich bends his back and slams the deck very hard, on the bodyline. It skids and kicks up as Alishan Sharafu miscues the pull shot off the higher part of the bat. The ball spoons behind square leg. Now, Kagiso Rabada from deep fine leg and Kwena Maphaka from square converge for the catch. Rabada eventually pulls out and Maphaka takes a good running catch around his chest.

Anrich Nortje to Muhammad Arfan, Nails the yorker in, the toe-crusher from Nortje. Muhammad Arfan does well to dig it out and flicks it wide of square leg, in front of square, for a single.

Anrich Nortje to Alishan Sharafu, Slips in a full toss, dipping below waist on the leg stump as Nortje follows the batter. Alishan Sharafu backs away to the leg side and uses the pace of the ball to guide it for a single at deep third.

Anrich Nortje to Muhammad Arfan, Good length, outside off, Arfan dabs it to deep third for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! Edged away and Kagiso Rabada will be even more disappointed now. Another off-paced delivery, back of a length and outside off, Sharafu looks to run it fine but gets an outside edge that goes between the keeper and short third for a boundary. Sharafu moves on to 44 now.

Kagiso Rabada to Muhammad Arfan, Short and angled across off, Arfan leans back and ramps it on the bounce to Anrich Nortje at deep third for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Muhammad Arfan, Slower one, on a length and outside off, Muhammad Arfan looks to go after it but misses.

Kagiso Rabada to Muhammad Arfan, Back of a length and angled across off, dabbed down to short third.

Kagiso Rabada to Alishan Sharafu, Short of a good length and on the pads, nudged off the inside edge down to short fine leg for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Muhammad Arfan, DROPPED! Another one goes down and it's off Rabada's bowling again. KG will be fuming here. Pitched up fuller and on leg, slightly slower, Muhammad Arfan heaves it high and just over mid on. Corbin Bosch backtracks and looks to reverse cup it but spills the ball. Single taken. Not at all the standards South Africa have set in the fielding department.

Corbin Bosch to Alishan Sharafu, Play and a miss! Back of a length and over off, Sharafu backs away to cut but misses.

Corbin Bosch to Alishan Sharafu, DROPPED, FOUR! Goes through the hands. Another one that is banged in short and wide. Alishan Sharafu backs away and throws his hands at it, slicing it down to deep third. Anrich Nortje misreads the trajectory and goes for the catch but the ball falls short and goes past him for a boundary. 100 UP FOR UAE!

That's a hostile delivery by Corbin! Sharafu has been struck hard on the helmet for the second time in this match. The protective equipment covering the neck comes off. This time, he looks a bit shaken off by the blow. A mandatory concussion test is in process for Sharafu as the physio is out in the middle. He looks fine to continue now.

Corbin Bosch to Alishan Sharafu, Oh, that's a nasty blow. Alishan Sharafu is a bit early to back away and Corbin Bosch follows him with a skiddy short ball. Sharafu is unable to get out of the way and the ball just hurries on and smashes into the side of the helmet, knocking the two flaps that protect the backside of the head. Hopefully, Sharafu is fine, he does seem a bit rattled.

Corbin Bosch to Muhammad Arfan, Short of a good length on off, Arfan arches back and runs it to deep third for one.

Corbin Bosch to Muhammad Arfan, Short of a length and outside off, angling away, Arfan looks to play at it but is well beaten.

Corbin Bosch to Muhammad Arfan, Good length in the channel, pushed down to covers.

Corbin Bosch (2-0-4-2) returns, replacing Anrich Nortje.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Arfan, Back of a length and outside off, guided away down to deep third for a single.

Kwena Maphaka to Alishan Sharafu, DROPPED! Oh, almost brilliant teamwork in the deep but it goes down. Short ball at the body, Alishan Sharafu is unable to back away and just scoops it around the corner on the leg side. Anrich Nortje at deep fine moves to his left and pouches the ball but it seems to be going over the ropes. He sees Jason Smith running towards him from deep backward square leg and flicks it back but the flick is very firm and Smith is unable to hold on. He was a bit too close to take the catch. Single taken.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Arfan, Good length outside off, tapped away behind point for a single.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Arfan, FIVE WIDES! Wayward from Maphaka. He looks for the yorker at the toes but ends up darting a full toss down the leg side. No chance for the keeper to collect it and the ball rolls away into the fine leg fence.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Arfan, Swing and a miss! Dug in quick and short, outside off, Muhammad Arfan tries to take it on but misses by a long way.

Kwena Maphaka to Alishan Sharafu, Good length angled across off, Sharafu dabs it down to short third for a single.

The UAE would want Alishan to bat till the end if they are to get anywhere close to 150.

Kwena Maphaka to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! Hammered away! Dug in short over middle and leg, Alishan Sharafu rocks back and muscles the pull, flat and wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Anrich Nortje to Alishan Sharafu, Risky but effective running. Pushes it full and on middle, Alishan Sharafu drives it straight to Aiden Markram at mid off, who has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. 5 runs and a wicket of Nortje's third over.

Anrich Nortje to Muhammad Arfan, Shorter delivery on leg, Muhammad Arfan mistimes his pull shot to fine leg for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. The Proteas have done an excellent job of choking the run rate in this middle phase as they have kept picking wickets at regular intervals. The UAE haven’t been allowed to build any meaningful partnerships. 38/0 becomes 84/4. Alishan Sharafu has got a good start, but he needs stability from the other end to accelerate and finish strongly in the backend. In walks Muhammad Arfan at number 6.

Anrich Nortje to Syed Haider, OUT! TAKEN! Syed Haider was not at all in control of this shot. Actually, not in control of his innings. His struggle comes to an end. Anrich Nortje bumps it into the surface, extra pace behind it and the ball skids too. Syed Haider hurries as he tries to duck-pull but manages a top edge to square leg. Kwena Maphaka, inside the ring, runs behind and to his right to take a simple catch.

Anrich Nortje to Alishan Sharafu, Goes full now, on middle, Alishan Sharafu drills it to long on for one more.

Anrich Nortje to Syed Haider, Drags his length back and bowls onto the bodyline. Syed Haider swipes and hits it to long on for one.

Anrich Nortje to Alishan Sharafu, Nortje bends his back and bowls into the surface at 141 clicks, outside off. Alishan Sharafu skips down and slashes his blade. He slices it to the right of the deep point fielder, who picks up on a bounce. A single.

Excellent spell from Linde, where spinners have got the least amount of help in this World Cup. 1/17 in 4 overs. Just 13 runs in the last 3 overs for the UAE. Anrich Nortje (2-0-18-0) returns. He replaces Rabada.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Tosses it up, touch fuller and around off. Alishan Sharafu knocks it wide of cover and keeps the strike. Tidy stuff from South Africa so far.

George Linde to Syed Haider, Fractionally short and on middle, Syed Haider pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a single.

George Linde to Syed Haider, Oh, well bowled! Linde sees Haider shuffle in his crease and serves it touch wide outside off. Syed Haider adjusts and pats it straight to cover.

George Linde to Syed Haider, An appeal for LBW, turned down! Slower in the air, flatter trajectory and on leg. It lands and spins away sharply. Syed Haider gets on his knee to sweep but misses. It was turning well past the stumps.

George Linde to Syed Haider, Nicely bowled! George Linde slows up the pace and gets it to turn away. This is outside off. Syed Haider leans across to push but misses.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Floats it full and angling on middle, Sharafu prods and taps it in front of point and rotates the strike.

George Linde (3-0-14-1) is back on to finish his spell.

Kagiso Rabada to Syed Haider, A solid bumper on middle and off. Syed Haider bends his back and tries to ride the pace but misses again. Kagiso Rabada, too hot to handle in this over.

Kagiso Rabada to Alishan Sharafu, On a nagging length, outside off. Alishan Sharafu dabs it to third man and runs across.

Kagiso Rabada to Alishan Sharafu, Beaten again! This is good stuff from KG! Keeps the stumps into play, hits the surface with a length delivery. Sharafu dances down the track and plays all over it.

Kagiso Rabada to Syed Haider, Goes a bit too full and on middle, Syed Haider eases it down to long on for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Syed Haider, Kagiso Rabada hits the deck hard and serves it on middle, Syed Haider backs away, trying to guide it away but misses. The ball rolls over the middle pole.

Kagiso Rabada to Alishan Sharafu, On a good length and on middle, drifting in late. Sharafu turns it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Kagiso Rabada (2-0-20-0) is back on.

Kwena Maphaka to Syed Haider, On a nagging length, around off, it hits the deck and shoots up. Syed Haider dances down the track and swings across but misses.

Kwena Maphaka to Alishan Sharafu, Touch fuller and around off, Sharafu comes down and makes room as he opens the off side. Hits it through covers for a single.

Ouch, that has banged Alishan Sharafu flush on the helmet. There will be a concussion check to follow and hopefully, Sharafu is fine. He looks okay but the helmet will be changed as well. Thankfully, everything seems fine and we are good to continue.

Kwena Maphaka to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR LEG BYES! A nervous leave by Sharafu, but UAE do get a boundary. Bangs it short and on middle, extra pace and bounce. Sharafu charges ahead at first, but ducks under it, and gets hit on the helmet. The ball flies behind to the fine leg fence. Sharafu gives a thumbs-up but a concussion protocol will follow.

Kwena Maphaka to Alishan Sharafu, Pitches it outside leg, slower delivery on a length. Alishan Sharafu looks to pull but misses and it brushes the hips as it rolls to the keeper.

Kwena Maphaka to Syed Haider, Straighter delivery, length and on the pads. Syed Haider swivels and and plays it to deep square leg for one more.

Kwena Maphaka to Alishan Sharafu, Back of a length and on top of off. Alishan Sharafu steers it with the angle to deep third for a single.

Halfway mark in the first innings and after an erratic start, South Africa are on top of proceedings right now. Also, Kwena Maphaka is back into the attack. He went for 10 runs in his first over.

Corbin Bosch to Syed Haider, Keeps bashing the length hard, on middle, Syed Haider presses back, stays leg side and defends it back to the bowler. After 10 overs, UAE are 66/3.

Corbin Bosch to Syed Haider, Zips through the deck, short and over the top of off. Syed Haider feels for it at first, but opts to let it pass.

Corbin Bosch to Syed Haider, Shoots in a sharp bumper, over the stumps. Syed Haider ducks under it to let it fly back.

Corbin Bosch to Syed Haider, Cannons in full and outside off, Syed Haider drives it to deep backward point. Kwena Maphaka rushes to his right from deep third and dives to palm the ball in before crashing over the ropes. Two taken.

A rare failure for Sohaib Khan in this tournament and out walks the new batter. Syed Haider is in at number 5.

Corbin Bosch to Sohaib Khan, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Wicket number 2 for Corbin and the UAE are in a bit of bother. Bosch hits the deck hard again and the ball skids and nips away from the pitch with some bounce. Sohaib Khan stays put, fiddles at the delivery, hanging his bat loosely away from the body. Gets a thick, healthy outside edge and Quinton de Kock does the rest, taking the catch to his right. UAE are 64/3.

Corbin Bosch to Sohaib Khan, Hits the hard length, over off at 141.9 kph​​. Sohaib Khan presses back and punches it to the off side.

Spin is doing a decent job at the moment for the Proteas. Will Aiden Markram take a risk and bring himself on against the two right-handers? No, but he does bring Corbin Bosch back into the attack, replacing Anrich Nortje.

George Linde to Sohaib Khan, Too full, on leg, Sohaib Khan runs it down to long on for one more. 4 from it, and Linde's figures read 3-0-14-1.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Not that full, on middle and leg, sliding in. Alishan Sharafu gets on his knee and paddles it to short fine leg for a single.

George Linde to Sohaib Khan, Offers more flight, full and on the leg stump. Sohaib Khan presses in front and dinks it to widish mid-wicket for a single.

George Linde to Sohaib Khan, On a length, flatter trajectory, on off, Sohaib Khan covers the line and blocks it back to Linde.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Sharp turn from a length, around off, Alishan presses back and fends it away with soft hands in front of backward point. They cross for a quick single.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Dishes out a full ball in front of the sticks. Alishan Sharafu gets a good stride forward and defends it under the bat.

George Linde to continue...

Anrich Nortje to Sohaib Khan, Bangs it short and on top of off, Sohaib plays it late and dabs it to the backward point region. A pretty profitable over for the UAE. 12 runs from the over.

Anrich Nortje to Alishan Sharafu, Nails the yorker in, Alishan Sharafu flicks it to long on for a single.

Anrich Nortje to Alishan Sharafu, SIX! Not convincing, but still a six. Back of a length, outside off, Alishan Sharafu walks a step ahead and tries to slash it over point, but gets a bit of an outside edge and the ball gets sliced over the wide deep third fence for a 59-meter six.

Anrich Nortje to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! Off the edge! Nips away at 142 kph, full and outside off, Alishan Sharafu goes with hard hands to drive through cover, but gets a fat outside edge. The ball shoots past the vacant slip cordon and races away to the deep third fence.

Anrich Nortje to Sohaib Khan, Back of a length, outside off, Sohaib Khan presses back and dabs it wide of backward point for a quick run.

Anrich Nortje to Sohaib Khan, Goes full and on middle, Sohaib flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Bowling change? Yes, indeed. Anrich Nortje (1-0-6-0) is back on.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Pushed through, tosses it up a low full toss, on the stumps. Alishan gets on the front foot and bumps it back to the bowler. Linde dives to his left on the follow-through and makes the stop. Another tidy over for the Proteas. Just 4 from it. 6 from the last two.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Touch short, on off, Sharafu gets half forward and knocks it back to the bowler.

George Linde to Sohaib Khan, Slides into the batter, on middle and full in length, Khan flicks it through mid on for another solo.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Drags the length back and gives the ball more flight, outside off, Alishan Sharafu cuts it off the back foot to deep point for a run.

George Linde to Sohaib Khan, Grips and turns from off, on a fullish length, Sohaib stays back and steers it wide of point for a single.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Fraction full on middle, spinning away. Sharafu leans on and gently taps it to the cover-point region for a quick run.

End of the Powerplay. South Africa have taken 12 wickets inside the first 6 overs in their 4 group stage matches, the most by any team in this year's competition so far, as mentioned by the on-air commentators.

Corbin Bosch to Alishan Sharafu, Attacks the stumps, full and on the leg stump, Alishan Sharafu whips it aerially and on the bounce to the deep backward square leg fielder for a single. Good start for Bosch. A wicket and just 2 runs from it. UAE end their Powerplay at 44/2.

Corbin Bosch to Alishan Sharafu, BEATEN! Hard length, outside off and it keeps rising on the batter. Alishan Sharafu lines up for a square cut to the off side, but the ball bounces above his angled bat.

Corbin Bosch to Alishan Sharafu, Full and just a little away shape from off, Alishan Sharafu gets on top of the ball and laces it away, straight to the cover-point fielder.

Corbin Bosch to Sohaib Khan, Slants it onto the pads, on a good length, Khan gets a bit across and wrists it to deep backward square leg for a single to get off the mark.

DRINKS! After a very brisk start from the UAE, they have now lost both their openers and will have to rebuild. Kagiso Rabada isn't having his best tournament so far and today has been no different for him. The change bowlers are starting to do a decent job for the Proteas and they will look to end the Powerplay with one more wicket. It is all about consolidation for the UAE in the upcoming middle phase and it will be interesting to see if they can step up or not. With that said, UAE's star-batter, Sohaib Khan walks out to bat.

Corbin Bosch to Aryansh Sharma, OUT! IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! And just like that, both the UAE openers are back in the hut. Instant impact by Bosch. He slams the deck really hard and keeps the line of attack on the body of the batter. It lands, skids and rears up a bit from the pitch as Sharma is hurried on the pull shot. The ball gets big on Aryansh and he mistimes the shot off the splice of the bat. Kwena Maphaka at mid-wicket, runs a few steps back from the inner ring and takes a straightforward catch. From 38/0, UAE ARE 42/2.

Corbin Bosch to Aryansh Sharma, Fires one in and around middle, Aryansh Sharma stays put and tucks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Corbin Bosch is into the attack now, replacing Anrich Nortje.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, FOUR! What a way to get off the mark. Flighted ball, a bit full and outside off, Alishan Sharafu makes a bit of room and lifts it inside-out over covers for a boundary.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Linde keeps bowling stump-to-stump and Sharafu makes another block.

George Linde to Alishan Sharafu, Flat and full on middle and leg, Alishan Sharafu blocks it down to mid on.

So after a bit of a sloppy start, the Proteas finally have their first breakthrough. Out goes the UAE skipper and Alishan Sharafu walks in at number 3.

George Linde to Muhammad Waseem, OUT! LBW! George Linde floats it very full and on leg stump, looking for some turn. Muhammad Waseem goes across on one knee to sweep but gets himself into a tangle. The ball sneaks under the willow and hits him on the back pad. There is an appeal and up goes the umpire's finger. Waseem does take the review, not sure if that's the right call but let's see what the third umpire has to say. No need for UltraEdge as replays confirm that the ball misses the bat and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. It stays Out and South Africa finally get the breakthrough. End of a 38-run opening stand.

George Linde to Aryansh Sharma, Good length, angled into the leg stump, Sharma backs away and punches it with a straight bat to long off for one more.

George Linde to Muhammad Waseem, Starts with a flatter delivery on middle and leg, Waseem tucks it across to square leg and picks up a single.

Spin time? Bingo. George Linde is introduced into the attack. He replaces Kagiso Rabada.

Anrich Nortje to Muhammad Waseem, Back of a length and around off, jabbed into the off side for a single by Waseem.

Anrich Nortje to Aryansh Sharma, Oh, nearly a beamer. Nortje ends up serving a waist-high full toss and the batter is taken aback by it. Aryansh Sharma ends up chipping it wide of mid on. Tristan Stubbs over there stumbles due to a bit of greasy outfield as the ball lands short. He fires in a direct hit at the bowler's end but the batter is in.

Anrich Nortje to Aryansh Sharma, Back of a length, over off and at almost 150 kph. Sharma rocks back and toe-ends it down to mid on.

Anrich Nortje to Aryansh Sharma, Pitched up, full and around off, driven straight to the cover fielder.

Anrich Nortje to Aryansh Sharma, FOUR! Sharma gets it through and UAE are off to a flier. A scrambled-seam delivery, relatively full and outside off. Aryansh Sharma throws the hands at it and slices it to the left of Jason Smith at square covers, and the ball rolls away to the fence.

Anrich Nortje to Aryansh Sharma, Nortje begins with a full ball, bowls it fast and on off stump, Aryansh Sharma pushes it out to mid off.

UAE are off to a flying start in New Delhi. 24 runs from the last 2 overs. And here comes Anrich Nortje, replacing Kwena Maphaka.

Kagiso Rabada to Aryansh Sharma, DROPPED! A difficult chance running back but one would expect Quinton de Kock to take it. KG goes short and angles the ball back into the batter. Aryansh Sharma gets cramped for room as he looks to pull and gets a top edge that sails towards short fine leg. The keeper calls for it and runs after the swirling ball but ends up spilling it. They get a single and that's more misery for Rabada. 14 off the over.

Kagiso Rabada to Muhammad Waseem, Back of a length, following the batter as Waseem shuffles leg side. Waseem heaves it over mid-wicket for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Muhammad Waseem, Full and on the stumps, nipping away a bit. Muhammad Waseem drills it hard, but straight to mid off.

Kagiso Rabada to Muhammad Waseem, FOUR! Helped away! An ordinary ball by Rabada. Goes full and on the pads, with short fine leg up in the ring. Waseem whips it off the inner half, and the ball races past the left of short fine leg for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Muhammad Waseem, FOUR! Good shot! Digs in a short one outside off at 141.7 kph, and Muhammad Waseem stands tall to flat-bat it straight back down the ground for another boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Muhammad Waseem, FOUR! Hammered away by Waseem. On a fullish length and around off, looking for some swing. Waseem hits through the line and launches it over mid off for a boundary.

Kwena Maphaka to Aryansh Sharma, An appeal for LBW, turned down. Aiden Markram has taken the review, though. Good-length delivery, around leg and swings back in. Aryansh Sharma plays all around it and misses the flick, getting pinged on the pads. The third umpire has a look at it but Ball Tracking confirms that the ball is pitching outside leg stump. NOT OUT!

Kwena Maphaka to Aryansh Sharma, WIDE! Swing again but down the leg side again as well. Full and darted down the leg side by Maphaka for a third wide in the over.

Kwena Maphaka to Aryansh Sharma, On a hard length over middle, Sharma hops up a bit and blocks it off.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Waseem, Good length, slanted across off, Waseem keeps the bat face open and glides it to the left of backward point for a single.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Waseem, A quick bumper, dug in over middle and leg, Waseem does well to duck under it.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Waseem, Length ball, straighter in line, tucked away between square leg and mid-wicket for a couple of runs more.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Waseem, FOUR! Maphaka gets his line right this time but overpitches and Muhammad Waseem is off the mark in style. Too full and on off, Waseem hangs back and slams it to the left of the bowler for a boundary downtown.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Waseem, WIDE! And again! Full and swinging down leg, Waseem fails to flick it away.

Kwena Maphaka to Muhammad Waseem, WIDE! A loosener to begin with from Kwena Maphaka. Pitched up fuller and down leg, swinging in even more. Quinton de Kock does well to collect it down to his left.

A decent bit of movement for Rabada in the opening over. Several plays and misses and a top edge. Tidy start for the Proteas. Kwena Maphaka will operate from the opposite end.

Kagiso Rabada to Aryansh Sharma, Five dots and a streaky six off the first over. Banged in short and wide outside off, Aryansh Sharma reaches out to cut but his feet go nowhere and the ball goes through to the keeper. UAE are 6/0 after one.

Kagiso Rabada to Aryansh Sharma, Similar to the very first delivery. Slightly short and outside off, nibbling away, Sharma awkwardly tries to ramp and gets beaten.

Kagiso Rabada to Aryansh Sharma, Much fuller and attacking the stumps, Sharma shows a bit of respect to this ball and blocks it off.

Kagiso Rabada to Aryansh Sharma, SIX! Not where he intended that to go, but Aryansh Sharma will take it. Good-length delivery outside off, swinging away, Sharma has a hoick across the line and gets a thick top edge that flies over deep third for a maximum. UAE are underway now.

Kagiso Rabada to Aryansh Sharma, Oh, good carry again. Dug in shorter and over middle, Sharma is taken aback by the length and swings wildly but is beaten by the extra bounce.

Kagiso Rabada to Aryansh Sharma, Swing right away! Rabada lands it short of a good length and bowls it outside off, the ball shapes away and Aryansh Sharma ends up having a poke at it. He misses and the ball carries through nicely to Quinton de Kock.

Right. Done and dusted with all the pre-match formalities. It is time to get down to real business in the Indian capital city. The two umpires are already out in the middle. Aiden Markram gathers his Proteas in a huddle and fires them up with a few words of motivation before they fan out and take their positions on the field. Out walk the opening pair of the UAE - Aryansh Sharma and skipper Muhammad Waseem. Kagiso Rabada has the new ball and is raring to go. Sharma will take the strike. A slip in place. Here we go!

The giant flags of both countries are unfurled in the middle. Now, the players of the two teams and the match officials walk out for the national anthems. It will be UAE's first, followed by that of South Africa's.

PITCH REPORT - Ian Ward is pitchside. Straightaway points out that it is pretty overcast and is cooler compared to the other games. Also says that as and when the sun comes out, the temperatures will rise. Goes on to inform that this pitch is being used for the third time in the tournament so far. About the dimensions, he points that the square boundaries measure 66 meters and 59 meters, with the straight hit being 72 meters. Shaun Pollock joins in and observes that the weather feels a bit English county type. He points out that it still feels quite cold to the touch, suggesting the moisture hasn’t really evaporated, something that’s been evident in previous games here. Adds that with limited sunshine expected today, the moisture is likely to stay, meaning early assistance for the seamers. He also references India’s 209 at this venue, noting it once looked like it was heading towards 250 before the spinners pulled things back. Then points out that this venue has had the least amount of turn, just 1.6 degrees, as compared to the other venues for this World Cup. Initially, he feels it is going to be a bit tacky and there might be good movement for the fast bowlers.

The skipper of United Arab Emirates - Muhammad Waseem says that they would have bowled first as well but the pitch looks good and it was just the weather that was prompting them to bowl first. Informs that they have two changes in the playing XI. Mentions that there are plenty of left-handers in the opposition and hence, they have made two changes with an off-spinner and a leggie coming in. Adds that they have learned a lot from this tournament and will try to play their best cricket against another Test-playing nation.

The captain of South Africa - Aiden Markram says there is a bit of rain around with a bit of moisture, so he is hopeful that they can get something out of it. Is not sure about how much rain fell last night and how much water was applied. Also, details that it looks pretty tacky. Expects that there seamers will create impact upfront and then the spinners might potentially get a bit of hold in the wicket. On the team changes, he informs that they have four changes for this match. Says Jason Smith, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka and Anrich Nortje come into the XI. About the momentum ahead of the Super Eights, Markram saying it all comes down to perspective. He adds that success usually hinges on a collective squad effort, and sees this as a valuable chance to give those who haven’t featured to get some much-needed game time. Is hopeful that they will get a good start.

United Arab Emirates (Playing XI) - Aryansh Sharma (WK), Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Syed Haider, Muhammad Arfan, Dhruv Parashar (In for Harshit Kaushik), Muhammad Farooq (In for Simranjeet Singh), Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, and Muhammad Jawadullah.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith (In for David Miller), George Linde (In for Keshav Maharaj), Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje (In for Marco Jansen), and Kwena Maphaka (In for Lungi Ngidi).

TOSS - It is toss time in Delhi. Aiden Markram and Muhammad Waseem are out in the middle. Aiden spins while Waseem calls incorrectly. South Africa opt to BOWL first.

UAE looking to halt the Protea charge - United Arab Emirates have found themselves in a group which features so much talent and it was always going to be really difficult for them to make it out of it as one of the top two sides. However, they have some glimpses of how far their talent pool has come. Junaid Siddique has already taken a five-fer in the competition and Sohaib Khan has played two amazing knocks back-to-back. Muhammad Waseem and co will be looking to push the Proteas to the limit and sign off in style. Right then, a morning start in Delhi and we have seen the toss proving to be crucial in such conditions. There has been some rain around and there will be a bit of moisture early on but the pitch should be excellent for batting. Stay tuned for the toss and teams.

Proteas looking for a clean sweep - Group D was dubbed as the group of death ahead of the start of the competition as it featured one finalist and one semifinalist from the last edition to go along with the likes of New Zealand. However, South Africa have come out trumps, putting in a couple of clinical performances alongside that gut-wrenching win in the second Super Over against Afghanistan. They will now look to finish the group stage with 4 wins out of 4 and head into the Super 8s, brimming with confidence. There are a couple of small tweaks needed, especially in their bowling, which they will feel is necessary to really challenge for the title once again.

Welcome, folks! Hello and a warm welcome to one and all. It is the start of yet another triple header day in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and action will kick off with a clash between South Africa and United Arab Emirates in Delhi. We have seen seven teams already qualify for the Super 8s and there's just one spot remaining, which will be confirmed later on today, for now the Proteas will look to continue their dominance in Group D.

... MATCH DAY ...

Match intro - The league stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is nearing its finish line, with just a handful of games left to shape the final picture. Group D, often labelled the group of death, brings together the in-form South Africa and a spirited United Arab Emirates at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. With South Africa already qualified for the Super Eights, and this being their last league fixture, they will be keen to finish strong and go into the next stage with a positive momentum and spotless record. For the UAE, it is about testing themselves against a stronger Test-playing nation, to gain valuable experience at the biggest stage. The journeys so far - South Africa will use this game as a polishing ground to get everything in sync before the real challenge begins. They have found ways to win in every possible fashion this league stage, be it a nail-biting finish, or a complete all-around performance. Or be it batting first or bowling first. And that double Super Over win against Afghanistan already has earned the title of a T20 World Cup classic, one that will be talked about for a long time. Now, they are coming off a very commanding win over New Zealand. UAE, meanwhile, have shown they are not here just to make up the numbers. Barring the 10-wicket loss to New Zealand, they have played a fearless brand of cricket. A commanding win over Canada showcased their ability, while they ended up giving a real scare to Afghanistan, pushing them right to the edge before falling just short of pulling off a memorable win. The three pillars of power - South Africa are operating on a different tangent altogether, and it shows in the way their engine room is humming like a well oiled machine. With the bat, the bulk of their success has been driven by the top order. Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and skipper Aiden Markram have all piled on the runs, each crossing the three-figure mark in the tournament. Markram, in particular, is riding a serious wave of form, coming off one of the finest knocks of his T20I career. His 86 was the catalyst behind South Africa blowing the Blackcaps aside with authority, whereas de Kock and Rickelton have both notched up a fifty each in this tournament, keeping the top order ticking and laying down solid platforms for the rest to build on. However, with just 50 runs in three matches and two 20-plus scores, Dewald Brevis is averaging 16.66 at a strike rate of 119.04, numbers that feel well below the standards you would associate with a player of his calibre. He is long overdue for a more responsible, composed knock, rather than another start thrown away. Speed guns in full flow - Pace and South Africa feel like a match made in heaven. Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen have been absolutely ruthless, whether it is with the new ball or at the death. Ngidi, in particular, has led the charge with the ball, topping the wicket charts for his side with eight scalps, including a four for and a three for. He has mixed up his pace with perfect execution. Jansen, meanwhile, would have taken a massive boost in confidence from his four-wicket haul against a quality New Zealand lineup. Rabada, meanwhile, has been a touch uncharacteristically underwhelming. Although he signed off with an economy of 6.75 in the last game, he has managed just nine wickets in his last ten T20Is. South Africa would certainly want their most prolific bowler to step up and better that tally this time around. One man show with the ball - Having lost both their matches while defending totals, UAE will be keen to tighten things up in the death overs, especially with the ball. Junaid Siddique has stood a league apart from the rest of the attack, highlighted by his brilliant 5/35 against Canada. Even against Afghanistan, he picked up a couple of crucial wickets to keep his side in the contest till the very end. However, the drop off after him remains a concern, with the rest of the bowling unit struggling to maintain the same level of control and penetration. Especially their spinners, including their frontline spinner Haider Ali, have been wicketless across three matches so far. Building blocks amid inconsistency - Batting-wise, it has been a case of feast or famine for captain Muhammad Waseem, with a 66 against New Zealand sandwiched between two low scores. In the middle order, Alishan Sharafu has provided a steady presence, while Sohaib Khan's fluent 68 against Afghanistan offered a glimpse of his potential. For UAE, though, it ultimately boils down to how well they handle pressure situations against the quality bowling and batting units of the Test-playing nations. Team form (Last 5 T20Is, recent result first) SOUTH AFRICA - WWWLL | UAE - LWLLL. What to expect? New Delhi has hosted four matches so far in this T20 World Cup, and the trend has been quite clear. In three of those games, the team chasing has come out on top, underlining how manageable targets have been at this venue. Apart from India’s 209 against Namibia in the only night game here, the remaining first innings totals have largely hovered in the 150 to 160 range, scores that have been chased down with relative ease. The pitch has generally played in favour of the batters. Despite those middling totals, it has not been overly challenging, with only one team being bowled out so far, suggesting there is enough in it for batters to trust their strokes. With these two teams set to face off for the first time in this format, expect an exciting contest in the capital city.