South Africa are determined to cement their place at the top of Group D during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Aiden Markram-led side will take on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their final group-stage encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, February 18.
The Proteas have won three out of three, including a seven-wicket win over New Zealand. While South Africa will be aiming to test their bench strength ahead of the Super 8 stage of this marquee tournament, UAE will field their best possible playing XI to pull off an upset against one of the favorites for the tournament title.
This article contains key information on the probable playing XIs for South Africa and UAE in the upcoming encounter as well as team combinations and possible tactical moves.
South Africa Playing XI vs UAE
The Proteas chased the target of 176 runs against the Black Caps. To manage the workload ahead of the high-intensity Super 8, the management may consider rotating their pace attack.
Openers: Quinton de Kock (w) and Aiden Markram (c)
Quinton de Kock has been a key player in South Africa’s debut. Captain Aiden Markram played a match-winning inning of 86* off 44 balls against New Zealand, where he chased the target with clinical accuracy. The Proteas captain completed his half-century in just 19 balls.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch
Ryan Rickelton remains at number three. The middle order remains explosive with Dewald Brewis and David Miller. Marco Jansen recorded a Player of the Match performance, where he dismantled the Kiwi top order with figures of 4/40.
Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj and Kwena Mafaka
South Africa may rest Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Anrich Nortje could return to regain form, while teenage sensation Kwena Mafaka is likely to make his debut. Keshav Maharaj will continue to handle the responsibility of spin on the dry pitch of Delhi.
Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (w), Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Mafaka.
UAE Playing XI vs South Africa
Openers: Aryansh Sharma (w) and Muhammad Wasim (c)
Aryansh Sharma was the hero against Canada, scoring an unbeaten 74 in the chase. Captain Muhammad Wasim is the UAE’s most dangerous asset. He has the ability to clear the ropes and will be crucial against the Proteas’ pace attack.
Middle order and all-rounders: Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik and Muhammad Arfan.
Sohaib Khan played a match-winning inning of 51 runs in just 29 balls against Canada. Alishan Sharafu and Mayank Kumar add stability, while Harshit Kaushik provides a handy all-round option.
Bowlers: Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddiqui and Muhammad Jawadullah.
Senior fast bowler Junaid Siddiqui recorded a sensational 5/35 against Canada. Left-arm pacer Mohammad Jawadullah offers a unique angle that could trouble South Africa’s right-handed batsmen, while Haider Ali will handle the spin duties on the dry Delhi track.
Expected XI: Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Wasim (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddiqui, Muhammad Jawadullah.
Also read: IND vs PAK: Even after retirement, why will Rohit Sharma trouble Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026?
