South Africa Playing XI Vs UAE- T20 World Cup 2026, Match 34- Rabada Out, Nortje In?

Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada together [Source: X]

The South Africa team is gearing up for their 34th fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026, where they will face the United Arab Emirates on February 18 at 11:00 AM IST at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

South Africa vs UAE Preview

South Africa head into the contest brimming with confidence, having secured victories in all three of their matches and already booking their place in the Super 8 stage. In contrast, the UAE have managed just one win from three outings and remains on the brink of elimination.

With South Africa already settled, they would look to finish off strong while allowing some key players to rest. Hence, ahead of the clash, let’s take a look at the probable Playing XI of South Africa against the UAE.

South Africa Playing XI vs UAE- Match 34, T20 World Cup 2026

Openers and Top Order: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis

The Proteas batting order will start with Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock opening at numbers 1 and 2. The duo has been prolific run-getters, with their individual tallies crossing the 100-run mark in just three matches.

Markram has piled up 150 runs from his three appearances at an average of 75 in the T20 World Cup 2026, while Quinton de Kock has been slightly behind with 104 runs from his three appearances, averaging 34.67. Markram's invaluable strike rate of 178.57 in this tournament further underlines why an explosive opener like him can boost South Africa's chances with the bat.

Following them will be Ryan Rickelton at number 3, who has also shown promise when Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock failed to make a mark, underlining his value as a solid anchor in the top order. He averages 38.33 so far in this tournament and has an impressive strike rate of 191.67.

Dewald Brevis will be trusted with the No. 4 duties, though he has been a bit quiet in this tournament. His explosive hitting abilities can never be underestimated, especially after his SA20 2025-26 batting exploits.

Middle Order and All Rounders: David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde and Corbin Bosch

The middle order will continue with David Miller, the explosive South African batter, who has so far garnered 83 runs from his three outings and boasts a strike rate of over 150. While his impact has been minimal in this World Cup, his potential can never be underestimated, as he can turn a match around at any moment.

Following Miller, Tristan Stubbs will come in. The Proteas prodigy was a star of the SA20 2025-26 tournament and, after earning a call-up to the T20 World Cup squad, Stubbs will be hungry to prove his worth in the upcoming match while playing as a solid accelerator in the middle-to-death overs phase.

George Linde might get a call-up in place of Keshav Maharaj, given that Maharaj could be rested ahead of the Super 8 stage. Linde has not appeared in any matches so far, but matching Maharaj's skill set, the left-arm orthodox spinner can be a solid option at number 7 with the bat.

In T20I cricket, he has played 15 matches at number 7, averaging 17.31 with a strike rate of 141.51. Following Linde, Corbin Bosch can chip in with his explosive batting abilities and towering presence, while also strengthening the bowling unit with his impressive pace.

Bowlers: Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi

With the batting lineup extending as deep as number 8 and number 9, and Marco Jansen also capable with the bat, the bowling lineup will start with Anrich Nortje leading the pace attack alongside Lungi Ngidi.

While Kagiso Rabada has played most of the matches, he was not impressive in South Africa's previous match against New Zealand. Given that Anrich has not played any of the T20 World Cup 2026 matches so far, a call-up for the pace veteran could be on the cards, with Kagiso Rabada likely to be rested ahead of the Super 8 stage.

Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen will offer pace variety to the bowling attack, as George Linde alongside Aiden Markram looks after the spin department.

South Africa likely Playing XI vs UAE- Match 34, T20 World Cup 2026- Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi