Afghanistan are set to face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a do-or-die Group D clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday, February 16. The Rashid Khan-led side will be hoping to secure a victory and remain mathematically in the race to reach the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Afghanistan suffered a heartbreaking double Super Over defeat to South Africa. Both teams’ management groups will be weighing their best combinations to exploit the conditions in Delhi, where early moisture is expected to assist seamers before the pitch flattens out and brings spinners into play.
This article provides details on the probable playing XIs of Afghanistan and the UAE for this crucial encounter, offering expert insight into team selections and tactical adjustments..
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Afghanistan Playing XI vs UAE
Afghanistan’s batting clicked against South Africa, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz playing a stunning knock. The management are likely to resist knee-jerk changes to the batting order, trusting the top order to fire again. The bowling unit, despite failing to defend in the Super Over, remains world-class.
Openers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) and Ibrahim Zadran
Rahmanullah Gurbaz provides explosive starts, while Ibrahim Zadran plays the anchor role. Zadran’s technique will be crucial to survive the first hour of swing. Gurbaz played one of the innings of the tournament, scoring 84 off 42 balls against the Proteas.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Shahidullah Kamal
Azmatullah Omarzai has been a revelation with the new ball and is also a key batter at No. 4. Veterans Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib offer composure, while Shahidullah Kamal adds a crucial left-handed option to counter the UAE spinners in the middle overs.
Bowlers: Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi
They boast one of the best spin attacks in the tournament. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad are expected to relish the Delhi surface. Fazalhaq Farooqi will be the danger man in the Powerplay, with the surface likely to offer him significant swing.
Afghanistan Predicted XI: 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 Playing XI vs Afghanistan
The UAE have too many inexperienced batters, which can be exposed against Afghanistan’s quality spin. As a result, they are expected to make a strategic change to strengthen their batting depth and bowling options.
Openers: Aryansh Sharma (wk) and Muhammad Waseem (c)
Captain Muhammad Waseem is the wicket the Afghans will want the most. He has the power to disrupt Afghanistan’s plans but needs support at the other end. Young Aryansh Sharma must rotate the strike better to ensure Waseem is not forced into high-risk shots early on.
Middle-Order Batters: Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Mayank Kumar, Harshit Kaushik
Alishan Sharafu has looked good in patches but needs to convert his starts. Harshit Kaushik and Sohaib Khan bring balance to the batting lineup.
If the UAE lose early wickets to the swing of Fazalhaq Farooqi, their lower order could come under serious pressure. Facing a spin attack led by Rashid Khan, along with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad, could be challenging.
Bowlers: Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Arfan
Junaid Siddique will be the UAE’s trump card in morning conditions. His ability to hit the deck hard and move the ball makes him a threat to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Muhammad Jawadullah provides the left-arm angle, while Muhammad Farooq and Muhammad Arfan complete the attack.
UAE Predicted XI: Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah.
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