South Africa delivered a dominant performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, steamrolling the UAE by six wickets with 40 balls to spare. Chasing a modest target of 123, the Proteas chased it down in just 13.2 overs, losing only four wickets in the process.
Captain Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock set the tone with a blistering opening stand. In the first three overs, they amassed 32 runs, with Markram smashing 28 off 11 balls, including five fours and a six, before departing. De Kock followed soon after, scoring a steady 14 off 16 deliveries, as South Africa reached 56 for two.
Ryan Rickelton then unleashed fireworks, blasting 30 off 16 balls with three fours and two sixes. Dewald Brevis complemented him perfectly, notching up 36 off 25 balls featuring three massive sixes and a four. Their 49-run third-wicket partnership off just 30 balls propelled South Africa towards victory.
Tristan Stubbs (6 off 7) and Jason Smith (3 off 5) guided the team home unbeaten. Earlier, UAE were restricted to 122 for six after losing the toss. Alishan Sharafu top-scored with 45, but South Africa’s bowlers were relentless.
Corbin Bosch starred with the ball, claiming 3-12 in his four overs, dismissing openers Aryansh Sharma and Shoaib Khan, along with Mohammad Arafat. Enrique Nortje picked up 2-28, including Sharafu and Syed Haider, while George Linde chipped in with 1-17.
Bosch’s match-winning spell earned him the Player of the Match award, underlining South Africa’s supremacy in this one-sided encounter.