South Africa's Proteas secured a six-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in their final Group D match at the T20 World Cup, chasing down 123 runs despite rain interruptions in Delhi.
The match took place on 18 February at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. The United Arab Emirates posted 122 for 6, with Alishan Sharafu top-scoring on 45. Corbin Bosch led the Proteas' bowling effort with figures of 3 for 12, while Anrich Nortje took 2 wickets but conceded 28 runs. George Linde claimed the first wicket by dismissing UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for 22 off 12 balls. Kagiso Rabada and Kwena Maphaka each leaked 30 runs in their spells.
South Africa rested key bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, who had taken 15 wickets combined earlier in the tournament. The Proteas' fielding was not at its best, with several catches dropped on an overcast day. Despite these issues, they restricted the UAE to a modest total.
In the chase, South Africa reached 123 for 4 with 40 balls remaining. Openers Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock fell quickly to UAE bowlers, including Muhammad Arfan who took 1 for 16. Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis then added 49 runs for the third wicket, with Rickelton scoring 30 and Brevis making 36 off 25 balls before both were dismissed in consecutive overs. Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs guided the team to victory.
This win completes a perfect group stage for South Africa, who now advance to the Super Eights to face India, West Indies, and Zimbabwe. Concerns linger over Rabada's form, as his economy raised questions about his role ahead.
