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South Africa cruise past UAE to seal perfect group-stage run

DELHI: South Africa continued their dominant march in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by six wickets on Wednesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to finish the group stage unbeaten.

Chasing a modest target of 123, the Proteas wrapped up the contest with ease in just 13.2 overs, losing four wickets, as their batting unit once again delivered a composed and clinical performance.

South Africa began aggressively, with skipper Aiden Markram setting the tone early through a flurry of boundaries.

His brisk 28 off 11 balls powered the side to a rapid start before spinner Haider Ali cleaned him up, breaking a 32-run opening stand.

Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton then steadied the innings, guiding South Africa past the 50-run mark inside the powerplay.

However, the UAE struck again when Muhammad Jawadullah removed de Kock for 14, leaving the Proteas at 56-2.

Dewald Brevis joined Rickelton, and the duo effectively sealed the contest with a fluent 49-run partnership for the third wicket.

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Rickelton played a lively cameo of 30 from 16 balls, striking three fours and two sixes, before falling to Muhammad Farooq with the score at 105-3.

Brevis continued the charge with a controlled 36 off 25 deliveries, hitting one four and three sixes, before being dismissed by Mohammad Arfan.

By then, the result was beyond doubt, as Tristan Stubbs and Jason Smith guided South Africa home comfortably.

Earlier, the UAE struggled to build momentum after being sent in to bat, managing 122-6 in their 20 overs.

Alishan Sharafu top-scored with a fighting 45 off 38 balls, including five fours and a six, while captain Muhammad Waseem contributed 22. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to trouble South Africa’s disciplined attack.

For the Proteas, Corbin Bosch was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 12 runs in his four overs.

Anrich Nortje picked up two scalps, while George Linde added one, ensuring the UAE were restricted to a below-par total.

READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan win toss against Namibia

UAE seal comeback win over Canada in T20 World Cup clash

Half-centuries from Aryansh Sharma and Sohaib Khan rescued United Arab Emirates from a slippery chase to post a thrilling five-wicket over Canada in the T20 World Cup on Friday.

Chasing 151, the UAE looked in trouble at 66-4 in the 13th over.

But Sharma, who made an unbeaten 74, and Soahib (51) put on 84 to help them achieve their target with two balls to spare in New Delhi.

Sharma played the anchor while Sohaib took on the opposition attack with four fours and four sixes to deny Canada and hand UAE their first win in two matches in Group D.

Sohaib raised his fifty off 28 balls but fell in the last over to leave Muhammad Arfan to hit the winning run to trigger joyous celebrations.

Pace bowler Junaid Siddique set up the win with figures of 5-35 in his four overs to limit Canada to 150-7 and was named player of the match.

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“In the first innings, we thought they might be going for 160 or 170,” said Siddique.

“We bowled very well in the last few overs and knew that 150 was a chaseable total.”

Canada spinner Saad Bin Zafar impressed with 3-14 in his four overs to rattle the opposition top order.

But Sharma and Sohaib turned the chase on its head to make UAE jump to third in the group ahead of winless Afghanistan.

New Zealand and South Africa head the group with two wins from two.

They clash in Ahmedabad on Saturday, where the winner will be the first team assured of a place in the Super Eights.

READ: T20 World Cup: Raza reacts after thrilling win over Australia

New Zealand set new T20 World Cup record partnership to crush UAE

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert posted a T20 World Cup record partnership of 175 as New Zealand crushed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 10 wickets with almost five overs to spare in Chennai on Tuesday.

Chasing the UAE 173-6, Seifert struck an unbeaten 89, and Allen scored 84 not out as they pummelled the UAE bowling to all parts of the ground in an unbroken opening stand.

The opening pair crashed 78 from the first six-over power play and posted their century stand off only 8.3 overs.

Seifert hit one of his three huge sixes to clinch the contest after just 15.2 overs, he also struck 12 fours. Allen had five sixes and five fours.

They beat the previous record for any wicket at a T20 World Cup — an unbroken 170 by England openers Alex Hales and Jos Buttler against India in the semi-final of the 2022 edition at the Adelaide Oval.

“The main thing is that we’re playing how we want to play, especially me and Finn putting pressure on the bowlers in the power play,” said Seifert, who was named player of the match.

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“Every game’s going to be a little bit different, every ground’s going to be different.

“So in a World Cup, you’ve just got to be able to adapt to the conditions you’re playing in.”

Seifert said he was unaware the pair had posted a new World Cup record partnership for any wicket.

“No, I didn’t know that,” he said. “I’m not much of a stats guy, but look, we’ll take it.”

The UAE’s 173-6 was largely thanks to their captain Muhammad Waseem’s 66 not out.

Choosing to bat first, Waseem and Alishan Sharafu put on 107 for the second wicket.

It took a sensational piece of New Zealand fielding to break the partnership.

Mark Chapman intercepted a Sharafu slog-sweep a whisker inside the boundary and before he stepped over the ropes relayed the ball to Daryl Mitchell to complete the dismissal.

The 31-year-old Waseem, who was one of only three current UAE players to play in their last appearance in a T20 World Cup in 2022, hit four fours and three sixes in facing 45 balls.

READ: T20 World Cup: Siefert, Allen brush UAE aside in imperious display

UAE send Mohammed Zohaib home from T20 World Cup 2026

United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricketer Mohammed Zohaib has been withdrawn from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and sent back home due to a breach of team discipline, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday.

In an official statement, the ECB said Zohaib was recalled to Dubai for violating team protocols, adding that further details regarding the matter would be shared at an appropriate time.

The decision comes just as the UAE prepare to begin their campaign in the 20-team tournament.

However, the player has contested the move, alleging that his removal was influenced by nationality.

Zohaib claimed that the team management consists entirely of individuals of Indian origin and insisted he was targeted because he is Pakistani.

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He has called on the ECB to launch a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.

The controversy has emerged at a crucial stage of the tournament, raising concerns about team dynamics and selection stability ahead of important fixtures.

Led by star batter Mohammad Waseem, the UAE are set to open their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Tuesday in Chennai.

The squad blends youth and experience, with key names including Alishan Sharafu, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique and Rohid Khan expected to play pivotal roles.

Following their opening clash, the team will travel to New Delhi for the remainder of their group-stage matches, where they are scheduled to face Canada, Afghanistan and South Africa on February 13, 16 and 18, respectively.

READ: Scotland thump Italy to register first win in T20 World Cup 2026

Former Pakistan all-rounder joins UAE coaching staff for T20 World Cup 2026

Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has been appointed as the fast bowling coach of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Friday.

The appointment was announced as part of the ECB’s official statement while unveiling the UAE squad for the 20-team tournament, which will be played across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

In its statement, the board highlighted Arafat’s international background and coaching experience.

“Former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat (27 international matches for Pakistan) has joined the squad as fast bowling coach for the tournament. Since taking up coaching at the end of his playing career, Yasir has coached various national teams and prominent franchises from around the world,” the ECB said.

The board further confirmed that the 43-year-old will also work with the UAE side in the build-up to the mega event.

“The 43-year-old will work with the UAE team during the World Cup and the preceding two-match T20I series against Ireland,” the statement added.

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Arafat, who represented Pakistan in three Tests, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is, brings a strong coaching resume to the UAE setup.

Notably, he is the first cricketer from Pakistan to complete an ECB Level 4 coaching course from Loughborough University.

The former all-rounder has previously worked as a bowling coach with county sides Sussex and Surrey, and also served in the coaching staff of Big Bash League (BBL) powerhouse Perth Scorchers.

He has also held roles as Pakistan’s High-Performance Coach, bowling coach of the Hong Kong national team, and a bowling consultant for South Africa.

Meanwhile, Arafat joins a UAE support staff led by head coach Lalchand Rajput as the team gears up for the World Cup challenge.

UAE support staff for T20 World Cup 2026

Amjad Ezzi (team manager), Lalchand Rajput (head coach), Yasir Arafat (fast bowling coach), Stanley Chioza (fielding coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (strength and conditioning coach), Dr Abhijeet Salvi (team doctor), Manipreet Sidhu (video analyst), Emmad Hameed (media manager) and Manish Pardeshi (physiotherapist).

READ: UAE reveal squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

UAE reveal squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

ABU DHABI: United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, slated to commence on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.

Mohammad Waseem will lead the side in their third mega event, having previously featured in the 2014 and 2022 editions.

The Asian team qualified for the T20 World Cup after securing a win over Japan in their Super Six at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier in Oman.

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UAE are currently playing a three-match T20I series against Ireland ahead of the mega event.

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They will also play two warm-up fixtures against Nepal and Italy on 3 and 6 February, respectively.

The UAE will start their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on February 10 in Chennai, before facing Canada, Afghanistan, and South Africa, who are also drawn in Group D at the mega event.

The Gulf-nations coaching staff includes former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat, who will oversee the bowling department, whereas India’s Lalchand Rajput will serve as the head coach.

UAE 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.

READ: Former Sri Lanka all-rounder named in USA T20 World Cup squad

U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan seal semi-final berth with victory over UAE

DUBAI: Ahmed Hussain’s calculated knock, followed by Abdul Subhan’s impressive bowling, steered Pakistan to a 70-run victory over UAE here in the ninth fixture of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup here at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Tuesday.

The result confirmed Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as the four semi-finalists of the tournament.

Set 242, UAE batting lineup could not rise to the occasion as their innings folded for 171 in 37.5 overs.

Skipper Yayin Kiran Rai and Ayaan Misbah started strongly with a 41-run partnership in 7.1 overs. The partnership was broken after Kiran Rai was caught for 14.

The second wicket of the UAE fell in quick time, with Zainullah Rehmani sent back without scoring.

As a result, UAE were reduced to 50-2 in 9.5 overs before Ayaan Misbah and Prithvi Madhu took them out of trouble with a gritty 58-run partnership.

The duo brought the score to 108 in 23.4 overs before a run-out ended Misbah’s innings, who was playing so well. The right-hander made fluent 77 from 74 balls peppered with 12 fours.

After his wickets, there were no other significant contributions from the middle order as UAE lost their way in the middle of the chase. Prithvi Madhu remained the other notable contributor in an innings which saw three run outs.

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Madhu scored 27 from 63 with the help of a boundary.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, whereas Ahmed Hussain, Momin Qamar, and Mohammad Sayyam took one apiece.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan put 241-9 on the board in their allotted 50 overs.

Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan provided a 40-run start in 9.1 overs. Usman made 21 off 22 with the help of three fours.

However, the UAE chipped in with quick wickets at regular intervals, which never allowed Pakistan to score freely. After Sameer Minhas 44 from 63 with the help of five fours, it was Ahmed Hussain’s knock that held Pakistan’s innings together.

He was involved in crucial stands with the middle-order batters, which provided Pakistan’s batting lineup with respite. The left-hander made 65 from 91 balls with the help of four boundaries.

For UAE, Yug Sharma picked up three wickets.

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U19 Asia Cup: Suryavanshi’s 171 powers India to big win over UAE

DUBAI: India teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi slammed a 95-ball 171 to propel his side to a 234-run victory over UAE in the opening match of the ACC U19 Asia Cup here at the ICC Academy on Friday.

Chasing a massive 434-run target, UAE could only muster 179-7 in their allotted 50 overs.

Uddish Suri remained the top scorer for UAE with 78* off 106, striking five fours and a six. Prithvi Madhu was the other notable contributor, scoring 50 off 87 laced with four boundaries and two sixes.

In pursuit of a daunting target, UAE could not get going as they lost wickets right from the start. Indian bowlers Henil Patel and Kishan Singh started the proceddings with wicket each.

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They set the tone early, and other bowlers followed suit. As a result, half of the UAE’s batters were back in the pavilion at the end of the 11th over.

India further mounted pressure with Noorullah Ayobi’s (3) wicket in the 13th over until Uddish Suri and Prithvi Madhu’s 85-run partnership, which provided them some respite.

However, it was not enough, with the asking rate ballooning, and eventually UAE fell short by a hefty margin.

For India, Deepesh Devendran scalped two wickets in his seven overs.

Earlier, after being put into bat first, India racked up 433-6 in their 50 overs.

14-year-old Suryavanshi hit 171 off just 95, studded with 14 sixes and nine fours. Aaron George and Vihaan Malhotra scored 69 runs respectively.

The highlight of the Indian innings was a monumental partnership between Suryavanshi and George, who added 212 for the second wicket.

For the UAE, Uddish Suri and Yug Sharma managed to take two wickets in their quota of 10 overs.

The much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India will be played on Sunday, 14 December.

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Last-gasp penalty snatches Iraq World Cup play-off berth

Iraq scored a penalty in the 17th minute of injury time to beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2-1 in the second leg of their 2026 World Cup qualifying tie on Tuesday and secure a place in the inter-confederation play-offs.

Substitute Mohanad Ali, who plays in the UAE for Dibba, and Amir Al-Ammari scored in Basra as Graham Arnold’s men came from behind to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory after last week’s 1-1 first-leg draw.

Iraq, whose only appearance at a World Cup was a group-stage exit in Mexico in 1986, progressed to the six-team play-offs where the last two tickets to the finals will be decided.

The UAE broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, as Yahia Nader slipped the ball through for Brazilian-born forward Caio Lucas to fire the ball past Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hachim.

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But Iraq hit back midway through the second half when Mohanad Ali headed home Al-Ammari’s free-kick.

The home side piled on the pressure late on, with Mohanad Ali missing two good chances to score a winner.

But VAR awarded Iraq the latest of penalties for a handball, and Al-Ammari stepped up to net the spot-kick and keep alive his nation’s hopes of ending their 40-year wait to play in a World Cup.

Bolivia, New Caledonia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have also booked their places at the inter-confederation play-offs.

The other two play-off spots will be decided by the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers later Tuesday, with Jamaica and Panama currently in position to qualify for the mini-tournament.

READ: Asjad Iqbal shocks India’s Advani to reach Snooker World Cup semis

Dominant Pakistan crush UAE in Asia Cup Rising Stars

DOHA: Pakistan Shaheen’s Maaz Sadaqat continued his brilliant run in the tournament, leading his side to a comprehensive victory over UAE in the ninth match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars here at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

With only 60 required to chase in 20 overs, Pakistan eased past the opponents in only 5.1 overs, losing just one wicket in the process.

Mohammad Naeem was the solitary wicket to fall for Shaheens after managing to score just six from five deliveries.

However, Maaz and Ghazi Gori added a 54-run partnership for the second wicket to take their team home.

Maaz Sadaqat showcased his batting prowess again and hit 37* from just 15 balls. The left-handers’ knock featured four boundaries and three sixes. Ghazi, who was promoted to the order, made 16 from 12 with the help of three fours.

For UAE, fast bowler Muhammad Rohid picked up one wicket.

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Earlier, UAE could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as their innings folded for just 59 in 18 overs.

Shaheens remained dominant from the start and picked up four wickets in the powerplay, which reduced UAE to 24-4.

It was an abysmal performance from UAE batters as Syed Haider remained the top-scored with 20 from 19 balls.

For Pakistan, Sufiyan Muqeem stood out among the bowlers, scalping three wickets in his quota of four overs. Maaz Sadaqat and Ahmed Daniyal picked up two apiece, while Arafat Minhas, Shahid Aziz, and Muhammad Shahzad also took one each.

With this win, semi-final-bound Pakistan Shaheens maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament.

The first semi-final of the tournament will be played on Friday, 21 November.

READ: Pakistan suffer injury blow ahead of T20I tri-series opener