South Africa vs United Arab Emirates Prediction: Who Will Win SA vs UAE 34th T20 Match on 18th February 2026?
The South Africa vs United Arab Emirates prediction for Match 34 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 strongly favors the Proteas, who have been dominant in Group D. The clash is scheduled for Wednesday, 18th February 2026 at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, Delhi, starting at 11:00 AM IST. South Africa sit comfortably at the top of the table with three wins from three matches and have already sealed their Super Eight qualification.
UAE, meanwhile, are placed fourth with two points and are officially out of contention. However, they will look to finish their campaign on a high note. Aiden Markram has been sensational, leading South Africa’s batting charts with 150 runs in three matches, including a breathtaking 86* against New Zealand. Lungi Ngidi has spearheaded the bowling attack with eight wickets, though rotation may see fresh faces like Kwena Maphaka getting opportunities.
For UAE, Sohaib Khan has been their standout performer, becoming the only UAE batter to score back-to-back half-centuries in T20 World Cups. Delhi’s pitch generally supports high-scoring contests, and while this match may not impact qualification, momentum heading into the next round is crucial for South Africa. Cricketwebs provide best match prediction tips for every cricket match, and on paper, South Africa’s depth, experience, and firepower make them overwhelming favorites.
- South Africa’s Dominance: Three wins in three games, already qualified for Super Eight. Strong batting and bowling balance.
- UAE’s Fighting Spirit: Competitive against Afghanistan; Sohaib Khan in excellent form with back-to-back fifties.
- Key Performers: Aiden Markram (150 runs) and Lungi Ngidi (8 wickets) lead South Africa’s charge.
- Venue Impact: Arun Jaitley Stadium offers good batting conditions; early wickets could be decisive.
Match Details
| Match | SA vs UAE, 34th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 18th February 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM IST |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, Delhi |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
Team Previews
South Africa Preview
South Africa have been one of the most dominant sides in Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With three wins from three matches, the Proteas have already secured qualification for the Super Eight stage and currently sit comfortably at the top of the table with six points. However, despite this being a dead rubber in terms of qualification, momentum and squad rhythm remain critical, and South Africa will be keen to extend their unbeaten streak.
Their most recent win against New Zealand was a statement performance. Bowling first, they restricted a powerful Kiwi lineup to 175/7. Marco Jansen was exceptional with the new ball, dismissing Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and Rachin Ravindra inside the first 10 overs. His ability to extract bounce and seam movement early has been a defining feature of South Africa’s campaign. Keshav Maharaj then controlled the middle overs with tight lines and variations, breaking partnerships at crucial stages.
With the bat, Aiden Markram has been the standout performer. His unbeaten 86 off 44 balls against New Zealand demonstrated not just power-hitting but also maturity in pacing the innings. Markram is currently South Africa’s leading run-scorer in the tournament with 150 runs in three matches. Quinton de Kock has provided brisk starts, while Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton add aggression in the top order. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs strengthen the middle order, offering finishing firepower.
In the bowling department, Lungi Ngidi leads the wicket charts with eight wickets in three games. However, given qualification is secured, the management may rotate players such as Kwena Maphaka, Jason Smith, or Anrich Nortje to keep the squad fresh.
South Africa’s strength lies in balance — a destructive top order, reliable middle-order finishers, and a varied bowling attack combining pace, bounce, and spin. Against UAE, they will likely test bench strength while maintaining intensity.
United Arab Emirates Preview
United Arab Emirates have shown resilience and flashes of quality in the tournament, even though they have been eliminated from Super Eight contention. With just two points from three matches, UAE currently sit fourth in Group D. However, their performances have reflected growth and competitive spirit, particularly against stronger opponents.
In their last match against Afghanistan, UAE posted 160/9, which was competitive on a good Delhi batting surface. The highlight of their innings was Sohaib Khan’s resilient 68 off 48 balls. He became the only UAE batter to score back-to-back half-centuries in T20 World Cups, underlining his importance to the team. Alishan Sharafu contributed 40 runs, forming a crucial partnership, but beyond these two, the batting lineup struggled to maintain momentum.
Captain Muhammad Waseem and Aryansh Sharma need to provide better starts in the powerplay. UAE’s middle order lacks depth, and when early wickets fall, rebuilding becomes difficult. Harshit Kaushik and Syed Haider will need to step up if UAE are to challenge South Africa.
Bowling has been relatively disciplined. Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Arfan picked up two wickets each in the previous game and have been reliable with variations. However, the lack of penetration in the middle overs remains a concern. Against a strong South African batting lineup, early breakthroughs will be essential.
UAE’s best chance lies in playing fearless cricket. If Sohaib Khan and Sharafu fire again and the bowlers execute yorkers and slower balls effectively, they could make the contest competitive. However, consistency against top-tier teams remains a challenge.
Team Squads
South Africa Squad
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka.
United Arab Emirates Squad
Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Syed Haider, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Haider Ali, Simranjeet Singh, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Farooq, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Mayank Kumar.
Probable Playing XI
South Africa Probable XI
Aiden Markram (c)
Quinton de Kock (wk)
Ryan Rickelton
Dewald Brevis
David Miller
Tristan Stubbs
Marco Jansen
Corbin Bosch
Keshav Maharaj
Kwena Maphaka
Anrich Nortje
United Arab Emirates Probable XI
Aryansh Sharma (wk)
Muhammad Waseem (c)
Alishan Sharafu
Sohaib Khan
Syed Haider
Harshit Kaushik
Muhammad Arfan
Haider Ali
Simranjeet Singh
Junaid Siddique
Muhammad Jawadullah
South Africa vs United Arab Emirates Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| WK | Quinton de Kock | South Africa |
| Bat | Aiden Markram | South Africa |
| Bat | Sohaib Khan | UAE |
| Bat | Dewald Brevis | South Africa |
| Bat | Alishan Sharafu | UAE |
| AR | Marco Jansen | South Africa |
| AR | Tristan Stubbs | South Africa |
| AR | Muhammad Waseem | UAE |
| Bowl | Lungi Ngidi | South Africa |
| Bowl | Keshav Maharaj | South Africa |
| Bowl | Junaid Siddique | UAE |
This fantasy combination prioritizes South Africa’s dominance while retaining UAE’s key contributors. Quinton de Kock is a high-impact wicketkeeper option due to his aggressive starts and catching opportunities. Aiden Markram is a must-pick given his outstanding form — 150 runs in three matches — and ability to anchor or accelerate.
Dewald Brevis adds explosive power in the middle overs, while Sohaib Khan is UAE’s most reliable batter, having scored back-to-back half-centuries. Alishan Sharafu offers middle-order stability and boundary-hitting ability.
Marco Jansen brings dual value with early breakthroughs and lower-order hitting. Tristan Stubbs provides finishing strength, and Muhammad Waseem can contribute as a top-order batter and occasional bowler.
In the bowling department, Lungi Ngidi’s eight wickets in three matches make him a prime pick. Keshav Maharaj offers control in middle overs, while Junaid Siddique’s variations provide wicket-taking opportunities.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
- Captain: Aiden Markram / Marco Jansen
- Vice-Captain: Lungi Ngidi / Sohaib Khan
Players to Avoid
- Harshit Kaushik (inconsistent returns)
- Syed Haider (limited impact so far)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match – South Africa
South Africa are overwhelming favorites due to their unbeaten run, superior squad depth, and balanced attack. Their batting lineup is capable of scoring 170+ consistently, while their bowling unit has been among the best in the tournament. Even if they rotate players, the bench strength ensures minimal drop in quality. UAE have shown resilience but lack the depth to consistently challenge a top-tier side.
Why South Africa?
- Unbeaten in Group D
- Strong top-order firepower
- Varied bowling attack (pace + spin)
- Superior ICC tournament experience
South Africa T20 History
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | 120 | 97 | 3 | 0 |
South Africa maintain a strong overall T20 record with consistent performances in ICC events and bilateral series.
United Arab Emirates T20 History
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 146 | 78 | 67 | 1 | 0 |
UAE have shown growth in Associate cricket but struggle against elite Full Member nations.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Total Matches | South Africa Won | UAE Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
This is the first-ever T20 international meeting between South Africa and UAE, adding a fresh chapter to their rivalry.
Pitch Report
The Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi typically offers a batting-friendly surface with short boundaries that encourage aggressive stroke play. Powerplay overs are crucial, as the ball comes onto the bat nicely early on. As the match progresses, spinners can extract some grip, particularly if the pitch dries under the sun. Scores around 160–175 are competitive here. Fast bowlers need to rely on variations and yorkers at the death to restrict run flow. Dew may not play a major role in a morning fixture, making batting first a viable strategy.
Weather Report – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Day | Wednesday, 18 February 2026 |
| Temperature | 27°C (Day) / 14°C (Evening) |
| Weather | Mostly cloudy with chances of thundershowers |
| Rain Probability | Moderate during afternoon |
| Humidity | Around 55–65% |
| Air Quality | Very unhealthy (hazy conditions) |
The match day in Delhi is expected to be mostly cloudy with a slight possibility of scattered thundershowers during the afternoon. Temperatures will hover around 27°C during match hours, making conditions comfortable for players. However, air quality remains a concern and could affect stamina levels. Dew is unlikely in a morning start game.
Broadcast Details
The South Africa vs United Arab Emirates 34th T20 will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network across multiple regional channels. Live streaming will be available on JioHotstar for viewers in India. International audiences can check their respective local sports broadcasters for live telecast and digital streaming options. Match coverage begins 30 minutes before the scheduled start.
Toss Prediction
The Arun Jaitley surface traditionally becomes easier for batting as the game progresses, especially in white-ball cricket. However, with slight rain chances and morning humidity, captains may prefer to bowl first to exploit early seam movement. UAE have shown willingness to chase in recent matches.
Toss Winner Prediction: United Arab Emirates
Decision: Bowl First
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For South Africa, Aiden Markram remains the most probable top scorer. His aggressive powerplay intent and ability to dominate spin make him the biggest threat at Delhi. With 150 runs in three matches, he looks in supreme touch. Quinton de Kock could also provide a rapid start if he survives the first few overs.
On the bowling front, Lungi Ngidi (if selected) or Marco Jansen are strong wicket-taking options due to bounce extraction on this pitch.
For UAE, Sohaib Khan is the most reliable batter after back-to-back half-centuries. Among bowlers, Junaid Siddique could trouble the Proteas with new-ball swing.
South Africa vs United Arab Emirates Winning Chances?
| Team | Winning % | Why They Can Win | Why They Might Lose |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 71% | Strong batting depth, superior pace attack, unbeaten run | Possible squad rotation, complacency factor |
| UAE | 29% | Momentum from competitive performances, fearless batting | Lack of bowling depth, inexperience in pressure matches |
Match Prediction
South Africa enter this fixture as clear favorites given their dominant group-stage campaign and superior squad balance. UAE have shown flashes of brilliance but lack consistency in bowling. Unless South Africa heavily rotate and misfire collectively, their experience and firepower should prevail comfortably.
Final Prediction: South Africa to Win the 34th T20 Match.
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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