South Africa vs UAE: Predicted South Africa Playing XI for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Match 34

South Africa will take on the United Arab Emirates in Match No. 34 of the T20 World Cup 2026, a Group D clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. South Africa have already booked their place in the Super 8 stage after winning all three of their group matches and will be keen to continue their winning momentum while ironing out combinations ahead of the knockouts. UAE, meanwhile, come into the fixture after a defeat against Afghanistan in their previous outing. With just one win from three matches, they are already eliminated but will be eager to end their campaign on a positive note against a formidable opponent.

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Here are the Predicted Playing XI of South Africa vs UAE match:

Predicted South Africa Playing XI

Top Order: Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram (C)

South Africa are expected to open with Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram. De Kock has looked in good touch in the tournament, scoring 77 runs from three innings at a strike rate of 135. Their ability to handle the new ball will be crucial against UAE’s strike bowler Junaid Siddique. Aiden Markram has been South Africa’s standout batter so far, scoring 150 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 178.88, including a commanding 86 off 44 deliveries against New Zealand

Middle Order: Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs

Ryan Rickelton has been impressive at no.3 for the Proteas as he has amassed 115 runs in the tournament at a whopping strike rate of 191.67 including a half century against Afghanistan. Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs add explosiveness through the middle overs, while David Miller’s experience makes him vital in closing out innings.

All-Rounders: Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch

Marco Jansen’s left-arm pace and late-order hitting provide excellent balance, while Corbin Bosch adds depth with both bat and ball. Jansen, in particular, remains a key weapon on a surface that can assist seamers under lights.

Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

Kagiso Rabada will look to find consistency after an up-and-down tournament so far, while Lungi Ngidi’s hard lengths could be effective on the Delhi surface. Keshav Maharaj has been economical and reliable, picking up two wickets at an economy rate of 7.18, and will be crucial against UAE’s right-heavy batting lineup.

South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Jason Smith.

 Predicted United Arab Emirates Playing XI

Top Order: Aryansh Sharma (WK), Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu

UAE are likely to open with Aryansh Sharma and skipper Muhammad Waseem. Waseem has been their most consistent batter, scoring 80 runs in three innings at an average of 40, and will once again be central to UAE’s hopes while Alishan Sharafu adds firepower at No. 3.

Middle Order: Sohaib Khan, Syed Haider, Harshit Kaushik

This middle-order will need to absorb pressure against South Africa’s pace attack. Harshit Kaushik’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a key player, while Sohaib Khan and Haider will be tasked with stabilising the innings.

Lower Order: Muhammad Arfan, Haider Ali

Arfan and Haider Ali provide depth and flexibility, especially if UAE look to push the scoring rate in the latter half of the innings.

Bowlers: Simranjeet Singh, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah

Junaid Siddique has been UAE’s strike bowler, picking up seven wickets in the tournament so far, and will once again lead the attack. Simranjeet Singh’s left-arm spin could be effective on the slower Delhi surface, while Jawadullah offers support at the death.

United Arab Emirates T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh.

FAQs

Q1: What will South Africa aim to achieve from this match despite already qualifying for the Super 8 stage?

A1: With qualification secured, South Africa will focus on maintaining intensity, testing combinations, and keeping their key players in rhythm ahead of the Super 8s. The match also provides an opportunity to fine-tune plans under match conditions without the immediate pressure of elimination.

Q2: Which area has been the biggest concern for UAE in the T20 World Cup 2026 so far?

A2: UAE’s biggest challenge has been sustaining pressure for long phases, particularly with the ball during the powerplay and early middle overs. Inconsistency in execution has allowed opposition batters to break free after solid starts.

Q3: How could Delhi conditions influence the South Africa vs UAE contest in Match No. 34?

A3: The Arun Jaitley Stadium traditionally offers a slower surface as the match progresses, bringing spinners and change-of-pace bowlers into play. Teams that manage the middle overs well and adapt their batting tempo accordingly are likely to gain an advantage.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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