T20 World Cup: South Africa beat UAE by 6 wickets, finish group stage unbeaten

South Africa continued their dominant run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group D match against the United Arab Emirates national cricket team at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, cruising to a six-wicket victory to finish the group stage unbeaten. The Proteas chased down a modest target of 123 in just 13.2 overs with 40 balls to spare, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament.

After being put into bat, the UAE posted 122 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings was anchored by Alishan Sharafu, who top-scored with a gritty 45 off 38 balls, but South Africa’s bowling attack kept the rest of the lineup under control. Veteran paceman Corbin Bosch was exceptional with figures of 3 for 12, while Anrich Nortje chipped in with 2 for 28. In reply, South Africa got off to a flying start. Captain Aiden Markram provided impetus early on with 28 runs off 11 balls, and explosive contributions from Ryan Rickelton (30 off 16) and Dewald Brevis (36 off 25) ensured the chase was wrapped up swiftly. The duo shared a vital partnership that steadied the innings after the fall of early wickets.

The win not only kept South Africa’s unbeaten streak alive but also sealed their qualification for the Super Eight round with a perfect group stage showing of four wins from four matches. Pakistan, Namibia and India’s matches later on Wednesday will decide other Super Eight placements.