Anrich Nortje marked his first appearance of the T20 World Cup with a sharp spell as South Africa restricted the United Arab Emirates national cricket team to 122 for 6 in their final group-stage match on Wednesday.
Rested for the game were frontline quicks Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen ahead of the crucial Super Eights clash against India in Ahmedabad. In their absence, Nortje (2/28) and Corbin Bosch (3/12) consistently bowled with pace and discipline, ensuring the UAE batters never settled.
Young Alishan Sharafu top-scored with a 38-ball 45, striking five fours and a six, but survived two dropped catches as South Africa’s fielders failed to capitalise on early chances. Despite the reprieves, Sharafu struggled for sustained support from the other end.
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Under overcast skies and with the floodlights switched on, South Africa captain Aiden Markram opted to bowl first, backing his fast bowlers to exploit the moisture in the surface. The decision paid early dividends.
UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem briefly counterattacked with a brisk 22 off 12 balls, while Aryansh Sharma found a few boundaries by stepping away from the line. However, left-arm spinner George Linde struck the first blow, trapping Waseem leg-before while attempting a sweep.
Once the powerplay ended, the innings lost momentum. Sohaib Khan, who had registered successive half-centuries against Canada and Afghanistan, fell cheaply after edging a sharp delivery from Bosch to Quinton de Kock behind the stumps.
The UAE’s struggles were reflected in their boundary count, just 10 in total, nine of which came from Sharafu and Waseem combined.
Soon after the innings concluded, steady drizzle forced ground staff to cover the pitch, adding another layer of uncertainty to the contest.
