AFG vs UAE Match 28 Preview: Free Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather Report, Head-to-Head, Playing XIs | ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Afghanistan Aims to Keep Super 8 Hopes Alive Against UAE in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Afghanistan, led by the talented Rashid Khan, is gearing up to face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a crucial Group D clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The match is set to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday, February 16. With their Super 8 hopes hanging by a thread after a heartbreaking double Super Over defeat to South Africa, Afghanistan is determined to secure two crucial points. The team also suffered a loss in their opening match against New Zealand. On the other hand, the UAE will be looking to bounce back from a 10-wicket defeat to New Zealand and prove themselves against Afghanistan.
AFG vs UAE Match 28 Preview:
Date and Venue:
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will be the stage for the Group D encounter between Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates on Monday, February 16.
Squads:
Afghanistan:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Ishaq, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Abdullah Ahmadzai
United Arab Emirates:
Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Farooq, Syed Haider
AFG vs UAE Probable XIs:
Afghanistan:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Shahidullah Kamal, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi
United Arab Emirates:
Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid Khan
AFG vs UAE Key Battles:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Junaid Siddique
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive batting style will be tested by UAE seamer Junaid Siddique’s early swing and movement.
Muhammad Waseem vs Fazalhaq Farooqi
The power-hitting of Muhammad Waseem will clash with the swing and pace of Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Rashid Khan vs Alishan Sharafu
The battle between Rashid Khan’s spin prowess and Alishan Sharafu’s middle-order stability will be a key factor in the match.
AFG vs UAE Free Live Streaming in India, Live Telecast:
The AFG vs UAE match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Viewers can also catch the action on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website for free live streaming on mobile devices.
AFG vs UAE Match 28 Weather Report, Pitch Report of Arun Jaitley Stadium
AFG vs UAE Weather Report of Delhi:
Delhi is expected to have sunny weather with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 27°C during the match. No rain is expected, ensuring a full game.
AFG vs UAE Pitch Report of Delhi:
The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is likely to favor batsmen, with early assistance for pacers. As the match progresses, the pitch is expected to flatten out.
AFG vs UAE Head-to-Head Records:
Afghanistan has dominated their T20 encounters with the UAE, winning 11 out of 14 matches. However, the UAE will be looking to turn the tide in this crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash.
As Afghanistan and the UAE gear up for a high-stakes battle, cricket fans are in for an exciting match filled with thrilling moments and intense competition. Stay tuned to witness the clash between these two formidable teams in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Team Strategies and Player Form:
As Afghanistan prepares to face the UAE in a must-win match, they will be banking on their star players to deliver standout performances. Rashid Khan, the world-renowned leg-spinner and captain of Afghanistan, will play a crucial role in leading the team both with the ball and in the field. His ability to pick up key wickets and contain runs will be vital in stifling the UAE batting lineup.
On the batting front, Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be expected to provide a solid start at the top of the order. His aggressive stroke play and ability to score quickly can set the tone for Afghanistan’s innings. The middle order comprising players like Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib will need to stabilize the innings and provide the necessary impetus towards the end.
On the other hand, the UAE will be looking towards their captain Muhammad Waseem to lead from the front. Waseem’s powerful hitting and ability to clear the boundaries can put pressure on the Afghanistan bowlers. Alongside him, Alishan Sharafu’s role in anchoring the innings and building partnerships will be crucial for the UAE’s chances of posting a competitive total.
Importance of Super 8 Qualification:
For both Afghanistan and the UAE, securing a spot in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is of utmost importance. The Super 8 stage is where the top teams from each group compete against each other, leading to intense matches and high stakes. Qualifying for this stage not only ensures more visibility and recognition for the teams but also provides them with the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world.
With Afghanistan’s hopes hanging by a thread after their narrow loss to South Africa, a win against the UAE becomes imperative to keep their Super 8 dreams alive. Similarly, the UAE will be eager to bounce back from their defeat to New Zealand and make a statement against Afghanistan. The pressure of knockout matches and the allure of progressing further in the tournament will add an extra layer of excitement to this encounter.
Impact of Previous Encounters:
While Afghanistan has a favorable head-to-head record against the UAE in T20 matches, past performances do not always dictate future outcomes. The UAE will be motivated to rewrite history and register a crucial victory against Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Past encounters can serve as a source of inspiration for the underdog UAE team, urging them to rise to the occasion and upset the odds.
On the other hand, Afghanistan will draw confidence from their previous successes against the UAE and look to continue their dominance in this crucial encounter. The familiarity with their opponents’ playing styles and strategies can give Afghanistan an edge as they aim to secure a vital win and advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
As the anticipation builds for the clash between Afghanistan and the UAE in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, cricket enthusiasts can expect a fiercely contested match filled with drama, skill, and unpredictable moments. Both teams will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory, making this match a must-watch for fans around the world.


