SA vs UAE, T20 World Cup 2026: Bosch, Nortje star as South Africa breeze past UAE

On a day of intermittent showers in the national capital on Wednesday, there was an air of inevitability at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Such was the commanding nature of South Africa’s six-wicket win against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in its T20 World Cup Group D contest.

After Muhammad Waseem’s side was restricted to 122 for six, the Proteas took just 13.2 overs to chase down the target.

South Africa, which heads into the Super Eight stage with four wins, was well served by Corbin Bosch (4-0-12-3) and Anrich Nortje (4-0-28-2), who played pivotal roles with the ball. Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis then chipped in with useful contributions in the chase.

Under overcast skies, South Africa’s decision to bowl first was straightforward. Apart from the assistance on offer for the seamers, the possibility of rain and the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method coming into play would have been a consideration for Markram.

The UAE innings began on an aggressive note. In the third over, Waseem struck Kagiso Rabada for three successive boundaries. Rabada’s frustration deepened when Quinton de Kock dropped a top-edged pull from Aryansh Sharma in the same over.

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However, once Waseem’s swipe across the line off George Linde resulted in a leg-before dismissal in the fifth over, South Africa tightened its grip. Bosch dismissed Aryansh in the following over.

Alishan Sharafu offered resistance with a steady 45 off 38 balls at No. 3, but the middle order failed to build partnerships. In the 10th over, the in-form Sohaib Khan was undone by a back-of-a-length delivery from Bosch in the corridor outside off stump.

Sharafu’s innings ended in the 18th over when he backed away to Nortje, who directed a short ball at his body. Sharafu could not control the shot and Kwana Maphaka completed the catch at midwicket.

Published on Feb 18, 2026