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NEW DELHI — South Africa made four changes yet scarcely missed a beat as they trounced the United Arab Emirates by six wickets in a Group D dead rubber at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, completing a perfect group campaign with four wins from four.
Having already secured their Super Eights berth with a hat-trick of victories, the 2024 runners-up rested David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi, treating the fixture as a final tune-up before the knockout rounds.
Bowlers Shine Despite Changes
Electing to field under overcast skies, South Africa’s second-string attack restricted UAE to a below-par 122-6, never allowing the associate nation to build momentum.
Left-arm spinner George Linde struck in his first over, removing captain Muhammad Waseem for 22. Seamer Corbin Bosch (3-12) then bounced out opener Aryansh Sharma before returning to land the major blow—prizing out in-form batter Sohaib Khan to leave UAE reeling at 66-3 at the halfway mark.
Alishan Sharafu top-scored with 45, but his innings was interrupted when he was hit by a Bosch bouncer that dislodged the neck protector of his helmet. The batter passed concussion protocols and gamely soldiered on, but UAE could never break free of South Africa’s disciplined attack.
Breezy Chase
Chasing 123, South Africa lost captain Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock inside the powerplay, but Dewald Brevis (36) and Ryan Rickelton (30) produced breezy cameos to erase any tension. The Proteas reached the target in just 13.2 overs, wrapping up their blemish-free group campaign.
“It was great to see the boys that came in and that have been working hard for an opportunity to grab that opportunity with both hands,” Markram said. “I thought the bowling unit once again was really good in executing plans on that wicket. It gives confidence to us as a group to know that each guy in the 15 is in a good space.”
Looking Ahead
South Africa now advance to the Super Eights with maximum points and significant momentum, having barely broken a sweat through the group stage. UAE, meanwhile, exit the tournament winless after defeats to New Zealand, Afghanistan and the Proteas.
