South Africa marched into the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup with a perfect group-stage record after a commanding six-wicket win over UAE in Delhi, sealing victory with 40 balls to spare.
Defending 122, UAE were never able to exert sustained pressure as South Africa’s pace-heavy attack dictated terms on a tacky surface. Corbin Bosch starred with 3 for 12, striking across phases, while Anrich Nortje’s hostile short-ball burst fetched two key wickets. George Linde, stepping in for the rested Keshav Maharaj, kept things tight with 1 for 17 as South Africa also rotated Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi out of the XI.
UAE’s innings never fully ignited. Muhammad Waseem began brightly, taking on Kagiso Rabada before falling lbw to Linde attempting to attack spin. Alishan Sharafu top-scored with 45 but endured a stop-start knock, surviving two dropped catches and two blows to the helmet. Beyond that, meaningful contributions were scarce, with six batters managing 13 or fewer as UAE finished on 122 for 6.
South Africa’s only blemish was in the field, where four catches went down, including a regulation chance for Quinton de Kock. Yet the lapses had little bearing on the outcome.
After a brief rain interruption, the chase was emphatic. Aiden Markram blazed five fours and a six in a rapid cameo, setting the tone in a 56-run powerplay. Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis then maintained control, dispatching anything short or wide to ensure the required rate dipped below five early in the innings.
Rickelton’s clean striking and Brevis’ audacious strokeplay put the result beyond doubt before a couple of late wickets fell with the finish line in sight.
Clinical with the ball and ruthless in pursuit, South Africa advance unbeaten — and gathering momentum.