T20 World Cup Exit for UAE After South Africa Defeat

The United Arab Emirates national cricket team brought their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign to a close with a six-wicket defeat against South Africa national cricket team at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.

After being set a modest target of 123, South Africa reached the total comfortably, losing only four wickets and completing the chase in 13.2 overs.

Proteas skipper Aiden Markram provided early momentum with a brisk 28, before Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis took control of the innings. Rickelton struck 30 off 16 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while Brevis added a fluent 36 from 25 deliveries, sealing the win with authority.

Earlier, the UAE made a steady start after choosing to bat first, with openers Aryansh Sharma and captain Muhammad Waseem putting on 38 runs for the opening stand. Middle-order batter Alishan Sharafu anchored the innings with a composed 45 off 38 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six as the UAE finished on 122 for six in their allotted 20 overs.

South Africa’s bowlers played a key role in restricting the UAE, with Corbin Bosch delivering a standout spell of three wickets for 12 runs. Pace spearhead Anrich Nortje also made an impact, claiming two wickets to keep the scoring in check.

The result marked the end of the UAE’s World Cup journey, while South Africa moved forward with confidence after a dominant all-round performance.