Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates Prediction: Who Will Win AFG vs UAE 28th T20 Match on 16th February 2026?
The Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates prediction for the 28th T20 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 suggests a high-pressure contest at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, Delhi, on Monday, 16th February 2026. Afghanistan have lost two consecutive matches and are on the brink of elimination, making this a must-win encounter. UAE, on the other hand, bounced back strongly after their opening defeat to register a crucial win over Canada. With both teams fighting for survival in Group D, this fixture carries massive importance.
Afghanistan have shown flashes of brilliance, especially through Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed 84 off 42 against South Africa. However, inconsistency in finishing games has cost them dearly. Their bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, remains their biggest strength, particularly on spin-friendly Delhi tracks.
UAE have shown resilience, particularly through Muhammad Waseem and Aryansh Sharma in the batting department. Junaid Siddique’s 5/25 against Canada demonstrated their bowling potential. However, Afghanistan hold a dominant head-to-head record, winning 11 of 14 matches against UAE.
Delhi’s surface generally supports spinners, which favors Afghanistan’s bowling unit. If Afghanistan’s batters complement their bowling attack with a competitive total, they are strong favorites. UAE must deliver a collective performance to challenge the Afghan side.
- Must-Win Clash for Afghanistan: After two consecutive defeats, Afghanistan are under immense pressure. Another loss would eliminate them from the Super 8 race. Their batting has revolved heavily around Rahmanullah Gurbaz, while the middle order must step up.
- UAE Gaining Momentum: UAE recovered from a heavy loss to New Zealand with a composed victory over Canada. Junaid Siddique’s five-wicket haul and Muhammad Waseem’s leadership have boosted team confidence.
- Spin-Friendly Conditions in Delhi: The Arun Jaitley Stadium often assists spinners. With Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan possess a significant advantage in bowling depth.
- Head-to-Head Dominance: Afghanistan have won four of their last five matches against UAE, including two victories last year. Historically, Afghanistan lead 11-3 in 14 encounters, giving them a psychological edge heading into this crucial fixture.
Match Details
| Match | AFG vs UAE, 28th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, 16th February 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, Delhi |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan enter this contest in a must-win situation after two painful defeats. They were outplayed by New Zealand and narrowly lost to South Africa in a dramatic double Super Over. Despite the setbacks, they have shown competitiveness and flashes of brilliance.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been Afghanistan’s standout performer. His explosive 84 off 42 balls against South Africa showcased his ability to dominate quality bowling attacks. He has scored 111 runs in two innings at a strike rate exceeding 170. However, the team’s over-reliance on him is concerning. Ibrahim Zadran must anchor innings more effectively, while Gulbadin Naib and Darwish Rasooli need to convert starts into substantial contributions.
The middle order features experienced campaigners like Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai. Nabi’s finishing ability remains crucial in death overs, while Omarzai provides balance with both bat and ball. However, consistency remains an issue.
Afghanistan’s strength lies in their bowling attack. Rashid Khan’s leadership and leg-spin remain central to their strategy. Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s variations add another spin dimension, especially on slow Delhi pitches. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Noor Ahmad provide seam and spin support, respectively.
Fielding lapses and poor execution in crunch moments have hurt Afghanistan. If they tighten these aspects and improve their middle-order performance, they possess the talent to dominate UAE.
United Arab Emirates Preview
UAE began their campaign with a heavy defeat but responded strongly against Canada, securing a vital win. That performance showcased resilience and team spirit.
Muhammad Waseem has been the backbone of UAE’s batting lineup. His unbeaten 66 against New Zealand demonstrated composure and attacking flair. Aryansh Sharma has provided steady starts, accumulating 82 runs across two matches. Alishan Sharafu’s role in stabilizing innings remains vital.
The bowling unit showed promise in their last outing. Junaid Siddique’s 5/25 highlighted his wicket-taking ability. However, his economy rate remains a concern. Spin options like Muhammad Farooq and Harshit Kaushik will be crucial on Delhi’s slow pitch.
UAE’s challenge lies in sustaining pressure against Afghanistan’s strong spin attack. Their middle order must counter Rashid Khan effectively. If they adapt quickly to conditions and restrict Afghanistan under 150, they could create an upset.
Team Squad
Afghanistan Squad:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
UAE Squad:
Aryansh Sharma, Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah.
Probable Playing XI
| Afghanistan | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Aryansh Sharma |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Muhammad Waseem |
| Gulbadin Naib | Alishan Sharafu |
| Sediqullah Atal | Mayank Kumar |
| Darwish Rasooli | Sohaib Khan |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Harshit Kaushik |
| Mohammad Nabi | Muhammad Arfan |
| Rashid Khan (c) | Muhammad Farooq |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Haider Ali |
| Noor Ahmad | Junaid Siddique |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Muhammad Jawadullah |
Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| BAT | Muhammad Waseem, Ibrahim Zadran, Aryansh Sharma |
| AR | Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai |
| BOWL | Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Junaid Siddique |
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a must-have pick due to his explosive powerplay batting. He has already scored a match-defining 84 in this tournament and remains Afghanistan’s most reliable top-order batter. Muhammad Waseem provides consistency at the top for UAE and can anchor or accelerate depending on the situation. Ibrahim Zadran adds stability, especially if early wickets fall.
The all-rounder trio of Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, and Azmatullah Omarzai provides balance. Nabi’s finishing ability and economical spin make him a valuable fantasy option. Omarzai contributes with both bat and ball, increasing point potential. Naib’s aggressive batting in middle overs can be impactful.
In the bowling department, Rashid Khan is the safest fantasy pick, especially on a spin-friendly Delhi pitch. Mujeeb Ur Rahman complements him with powerplay wickets. Fazalhaq Farooqi offers new-ball breakthroughs, while Junaid Siddique is UAE’s leading wicket-taker and can fetch crucial fantasy points.
This combination ensures balance between explosive batters, wicket-taking bowlers, and multi-skill all-rounders.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
Captain: Rashid Khan (High wicket-taking potential on spin-friendly surface)
Vice-Captain: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Explosive top-order batter)
Players to Avoid
- Sohaib Khan – Inconsistent performances and limited fantasy impact.
- Darwish Rasooli – Unreliable batting returns in recent matches.
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today Match
Afghanistan are clear favorites due to their superior bowling depth and historical dominance over UAE. Their spin attack—featuring Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi—is perfectly suited for Delhi’s slow pitch. Afghanistan also hold a strong head-to-head advantage, winning 11 out of 14 encounters. Although UAE showed improvement in their last match, they lack the same experience and depth in high-pressure World Cup situations. Afghanistan’s combination of explosive batting at the top and quality spin bowling makes them the stronger side in this contest.
Afghanistan T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 161 | 96 | 64 | 1 |
Afghanistan have built a strong T20 reputation over the past decade, known particularly for their world-class spin bowling attack.
United Arab Emirates T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 161 | 96 | 64 | 1 |
UAE have improved steadily in T20 cricket but often struggle against higher-ranked international sides.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches Played | Afghanistan Won | UAE Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
Afghanistan dominate the rivalry, winning 11 of the 14 matches played against UAE, including four of the last five encounters.
Pitch Report – AFG vs UAE (Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, Delhi)
The pitch at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium typically offers balanced conditions for T20 cricket, with a slight edge to spin as the game progresses. Early on, there’s enough pace and bounce for batters to score freely, especially in the powerplay, but the surface tends to slow down under lights. Spinners, therefore, play a crucial role in the middle overs, often controlling scoring rates and picking key breakthroughs. Dew can come into play in the second innings, making bowling at the death slightly more challenging. Average first-innings totals here in T20s hover around 150+, meaning a competitive score is often above that mark.
Weather Report – Delhi (Match Day)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature (Match Time Evening) | Around 27–29°C |
| Conditions | Hazy with very unhealthy air quality |
| Humidity | Moderate (40–55%) |
| Rain Probability | Very Low |
| Wind | Light breeze |
Delhi is expected to witness hazy conditions with temperatures hovering around 27–29°C during the match hours. There is no significant threat of rain, which ensures a full 40-over contest. However, air quality is reported to be very unhealthy, which may slightly affect stamina levels. Dew could develop in the second innings, assisting chasing teams.
Broadcast Details
The Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates 28th T20 match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India. Fans can also stream the match live via the JioHotstar app and website. Coverage will begin well before the scheduled 7:00 PM IST start, including expert analysis, pitch reports, and pre-match discussions.
Toss Prediction
The Arun Jaitley Stadium has traditionally favored teams chasing, especially when dew sets in during evening fixtures. With temperatures cooling slightly and moisture forming later in the night, captains are likely to opt to bowl first. UAE may prefer chasing to capitalize on dew conditions.
Toss Winner Prediction: United Arab Emirates
Decision: Bowl First
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains the most dangerous batter. His aggressive powerplay approach and recent 84 off 42 balls highlight his ability to dominate quality bowling attacks. Ibrahim Zadran’s stability at the top and Gulbadin Naib’s middle-order acceleration will also be key.
From UAE, Muhammad Waseem is the most dependable batter. His calm yet explosive style allows him to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate. Aryansh Sharma could also provide crucial runs at the top.
On the bowling front, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are Afghanistan’s biggest weapons on Delhi’s spin-friendly surface. Their variations and control in middle overs can choke scoring rates.
For UAE, Junaid Siddique remains their strike bowler after his impressive five-wicket haul in the previous match. Muhammad Farooq’s spin could also play a vital role.
Match Prediction
Afghanistan enter this must-win clash with a stronger bowling attack and superior T20 pedigree. Their spin trio is perfectly suited for Delhi conditions, and Gurbaz’s explosive form adds confidence at the top. UAE have momentum from their recent win, but depth and experience favor Afghanistan.
Our Prediction: Afghanistan Will Win.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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