South Africa secured a commanding victory over the United Arab Emirates, completing a comfortable chase with 40 balls remaining after restricting their opponents to a modest total in Delhi.
Toss and team changes
After winning the toss, South Africa chose to field first on a tacky surface in Delhi, where light drizzle had briefly interrupted preparations before play began.
Having already qualified for the Super Eight, South Africa made four changes, bringing in Jason Smith, Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje and George Linde, while resting several senior bowlers.
UAE, playing their final match of the tournament, also adjusted their side by introducing Dhruv Parashar and Muhammad Farooq to add greater balance.
UAE struggle against pace
South Africa’s pace attack quickly exposed UAE’s batting frailties, as short deliveries from Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Corbin Bosch consistently hurried the batters and forced uncomfortable strokes throughout the innings.
George Linde struck after Muhammad Waseem missed a sweep, Bosch removed another batter, and Haider Ali later top-edged a pull to midwicket as UAE slipped under mounting pressure.
Alishan Sharafu resisted despite two helmet blows and dropped chances before falling at deep midwicket, as UAE finished on 122 for six after scoring only 20 runs.
Rapid reply from South Africa
South Africa’s chase began briskly as Aiden Markram attacked early boundaries before falling to a delivery from Haider Ali that struck the top of leg stump.
Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton capitalised on width outside off stump, helping South Africa race to 58 runs in the powerplay.
Although de Kock and Rickelton departed after quick contributions, the early momentum ensured there was little scoreboard pressure on the middle order.
