New Delhi – The United Arab Emirates secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over Canada in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on , February 13th, 2026. A dominant bowling performance led by Junaid Siddique, coupled with a composed batting display anchored by Aryansh Sharma, propelled the UAE to a crucial win.
Siddique delivered a sensational spell, claiming 5 wickets for 35 runs, effectively stifling the Canadian batting lineup. His efforts restricted Canada to a modest total of 150 for 7 in their 20 overs. The UAE’s disciplined bowling attack consistently applied pressure, preventing Canada from establishing a significant partnership throughout their innings.
Canada’s innings saw a 58-run stand between Navneet Dhaliwal (34 off 28 balls) and Harsh Thaker (50 off 41 balls) offering some resistance, but Siddique’s relentless pressure ultimately proved too much. Shreyas Movva contributed a quick 21 off 21 balls, but the Canadian batting struggled to build a substantial score against the UAE’s varied attack.
The UAE’s chase began cautiously, with early wickets falling to Canadian bowlers. Skipper Muhammad Waseem was dismissed early by pacer Kaleem Sana and the middle order faltered as left-arm spinner Saad Bin Zafar (3/14) wreaked havoc. Zafar dismissed Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, and Harshit Kaushik, leaving the UAE reeling at 66/4 in 12.3 overs.
However, Aryansh Sharma emerged as the key figure for the UAE, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 74 off 53 balls. His innings was characterized by six fours and three sixes, demonstrating both power and placement. Crucially, he found a strong partner in Sohaib Khan, who contributed a brisk 51 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes.
The partnership between Aryansh and Sohaib proved to be pivotal, adding 83 runs for the fifth wicket and bringing the UAE within striking distance of victory. Sohaib’s dismissal on the third ball of the final over created a moment of tension, but Aryansh remained calm under pressure.
Displaying remarkable composure, Aryansh smashed back-to-back boundaries and then capitalized on a free hit to further reduce the equation. The UAE ultimately crossed the finish line with two balls to spare and five wickets in hand, securing a hard-fought victory.
This win places the UAE in third position in Group D, with one win and one loss, trailing New Zealand and South Africa, both of whom have won their opening two matches. The UAE’s chances of progressing to the Super Eight stage remain alive, although they face challenging upcoming fixtures against South Africa and Afghanistan.
For Canada, this defeat marks their second loss in as many matches, significantly diminishing their hopes of advancing in the tournament. They will need a dramatic turnaround in their remaining games to remain competitive.
The match highlighted the importance of all-round performances in T20 cricket. Junaid Siddique’s exceptional bowling set the foundation for the UAE’s victory, while Aryansh Sharma’s resilient batting ensured they successfully chased down the target. The ability to perform under pressure and adapt to changing game situations proved to be the defining factors in this closely contested encounter.
The UAE’s victory demonstrates their growing competitiveness in the international arena and signals their potential to make a significant impact in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Their upcoming matches against formidable opponents will undoubtedly test their resolve, but this win provides a significant boost to their confidence and momentum.
Aryansh Sharma’s performance was particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when required. His unbeaten half-century not only secured the win for the UAE but also established him as a key player to watch in the tournament. The partnership with Sohaib Khan was a testament to their understanding and ability to build a crucial stand under pressure.
Looking ahead, the UAE will need to maintain this level of performance and consistency to navigate the challenges of Group D and potentially qualify for the Super Eight stage. Their disciplined bowling attack and resilient batting lineup will be crucial assets as they face tougher opponents in the coming days.
