South Africa defeated the United Arab Emirates by six wickets to complete the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 without a loss.
Opting to field first, South Africa restricted the UAE to 122-6. Corbin Bosch starred with figures of 3-12 from four overs, while Anrich Nortje added 2-28. UAE’s Alishan Sharafu top-scored with 45 from 38 balls before falling in the 18th over.
Rain delayed the start of South Africa’s chase, but once play resumed, the Proteas accelerated quickly. Captain Aiden Markram smashed 28 from 11 balls before being dismissed by Haider Ali. Dewald Brevis contributed 36, and Ryan Rickelton added 30 as South Africa reached 123-4 in 13.2 overs, sealing victory with 40 balls to spare.
This win marked South Africa’s fourth consecutive triumph in the tournament, including a dramatic double Super Over victory against Afghanistan earlier in the group stage. The team rested key players David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi ahead of the Super 8 phase.
South Africa’s unbeaten run positions them as one of the strongest contenders heading into the next stage of the competition.
