T20 World Cup: uae vs south africa — Proteas cruise to comfortable win in final group game
South Africa wrapped up their Group D campaign with a straightforward six-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in Delhi, knocking off the modest 123-run target with 40 balls to spare. The result kept the Proteas perfect in the group stage and offered a useful tune-up ahead of the Super 8s, while the UAE exited the tournament with a solitary win.
UAE innings: Sharafu the lone resistance
The UAE posted 122 for 6 from their 20 overs after electing to bat first. Their innings relied heavily on a measured knock from Alishan Sharafu, who top-scored with 45 off 38 balls. Early momentum came Aryansh Sharma and captain Muhammad Waseem, but both were removed by South African bowling as the innings lost its rhythm.
Spin and pace combined effectively for the visitors: Corbin Bosch picked up a tidy 3 for 12, while George Linde chipped in with crucial breakthroughs to prevent the UAE from building partnerships. With wickets falling around him, Sharafu struggled to accelerate in the death overs and the UAE managed only 20 runs across the final four overs, finishing well short of a challenging total.
Proteas chase: quick start and clinical finish
South Africa made several changes, resting experienced campaigners and giving game time to others, and elected to field after winning the toss. Rain briefly intervened during the innings break and covers were brought on, but once play resumed the chase was never in doubt.
Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with an explosive 11-ball 28 that set the tone for a rapid start. Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis then consolidated the chase, contributing 30 and 36 respectively; Brevis's 36 came off 25 balls and proved decisive in sealing the win. The Proteas reached 123 for 4 inside 13. 2 overs, wrapping the match up with plenty of time to spare and showing the kind of depth that bodes well for the next phase.
What it means for both teams
The victory capped a perfect group-stage run for South Africa, who finished with four wins from four matches and move on to the Super 8s with momentum and bowling options in form. The team management’s rotation paid off, with several squad players delivering tidy, match-winning performances and the batting lineup showing depth even without a handful of rested regulars.
For the UAE, the campaign ends with one victory — their win over Canada — and more lessons than laurels. Their batting showed flashes of competence through Sharafu and the openers, but the inability to convert starts and a lack of late-overs acceleration proved costly. The bowlers had moments, but could not maintain pressure on a Proteas batting order that chased professionally once conditions allowed.
With the Super 8s on the horizon, South Africa will look to sharpen a few edges from this outing while carrying forward the confidence of an unblemished group record. The UAE, meanwhile, will regroup and assess the areas that need improvement if they are to challenge more consistently at this level.
