UAE Beat Canada in Tense Chase: T20 World Cup 2026 Group D Highlights from Arun Jaitley Stadium

Delhi evenings in February can be chilly, but on February 13, 2026, the atmosphere at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was anything but cold. As the floodlights took over and the dew settled on the outfield, cricket fans in the capital were treated to a proper associate thriller – the kind that reminds us why the T20 World Cup on Indian soil feels so special.

The United Arab Emirates beat Canada by 5 wickets in a heart-stopping finish, chasing down 151 with just two balls to spare in their Group D encounter. For Indian viewers glued to Star Sports or Hotstar, this Canada vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 match was a reminder that the real magic often happens away from the big India-Pakistan headlines.

From the stands here in Delhi – or for those watching from homes in Patna, Mumbai, or anywhere across the country – there was something refreshingly pure about it. No superstars, no billion-dollar IPL baggage, just two teams fighting tooth and nail for every run and wicket. UAE’s young keeper-batsman Aryansh Sharma held his nerve with an unbeaten 74, while Sohaib Khan blasted a 29-ball 51 to turn the game. Earlier, Junaid Siddique’s fiery 5/35 had restricted Canada to 150/7 on a pitch that slowed down beautifully under lights.

This wasn’t a run-fest; it was gritty, tactical cricket. Canada showed flashes of their growing maturity, but UAE’s bowling discipline and chasing composure sealed the deal. In a group with giants like New Zealand, South Africa, and Afghanistan, both teams knew points were gold dust. UAE now have their first win, while Canada are still searching.

Arun Jaitley Stadium: The Perfect Stage for Drama

Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla) has seen everything from Tendulkar masterpieces to IPL finals, but hosting T20 World Cup 2026 group games for associates adds a new flavour. The pitch here started true but gripped later, with spinners getting turn and seamers finding reverse under dew. Average scores in recent T20s hover around 160-170, but dew made chasing the smarter option tonight.

The crowd wasn’t massive – a few thousand, mostly locals enjoying affordable tickets – but they made noise when it mattered. Chants for boundaries, appreciative applause for good fielding; classic Delhi cricket vibes. For more on the venue’s T20 records, check the official ICC venue profile.

How the Match Unfolded: A Game of Two Halves

Canada’s Innings – Early Collapse, Thaker’s Resistance

Dilpreet Bajwa won the toss and chose to bat, hoping to set a total on a decent track. But Junaid Siddique had other plans. The UAE pacer, swinging the new ball both ways, struck twice in his first two overs. Yuvraj Samra edged to slip, Bajwa followed – Canada reeling at 19/2.

Navneet Dhaliwal tried to rebuild, stroking four boundaries in his 34, but a needless run-out ended his stay. Nicholas Kirton fell cheaply, and at 38/3, Canada were in trouble.

Step forward Harsh Thaker. The all-rounder played a gem of a knock – 50 off 41 with three sixes, mixing defence with clean hitting. Shreyas Movva supported with 21, but once Thaker holed out to long-on off Junaid, the innings crumbled. The pacer returned to clean up the tail, completing a memorable five-for. Muhammad Jawadullah bowled tightly for 1/16, and Canada’s 150/7 felt 15-20 short with dew coming in.

UAE’s Chase – Wobble, Recovery, Ecstasy

151 looked gettable, but Canada’s bowlers made UAE earn it. Kaleem Sana removed Muhammad Waseem early, and then Saad Bin Zafar – what a spell! The veteran left-arm spinner flighted it beautifully, picking up Sharafu, Kumar, and Kaushik in quick succession. At 66/4, Canada were dreaming.

Aryansh Sharma, just 20, anchored superbly. He rotated strike, picked gaps, and accelerated when needed – three sixes in his unbeaten 74 off 53. But the game-changer was Sohaib Khan. Promoted to No. 6, he tore into the bowling: four sixes, four fours, 51 off 29. An 84-run stand with Sharma flipped the script.

When Khan fell with one needed, hearts stopped, but Muhammad Arfan nudged the winning single. UAE home with two balls left. Saad’s 3/14 was outstanding, but the others couldn’t maintain pressure in the death.

Player of the Match Junaid Siddique: “Happy with the five-for; the boys chased brilliantly.”

Complete Scorecard: CAN vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026

Canada Innings – 150/7 (20 overs)

Extras: 10 Total: 150/7

UAE Bowling: Junaid Siddique 4-0-35-5, Jawadullah 4-0-16-1, etc.

UAE Innings – 151/5 (19.4 overs)

Canada Bowling: Saad Bin Zafar 4-0-14-3, Jaskaran Singh 3.4-0-45-1, etc.

Full scorecard on ESPNcricinfo.

Group D Points Table (After Canada vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 Match)

(Standings via ICC official site).

Points Table Impact: What UAE’s Win Over Canada Means

Top two advance to Super 8s. New Zealand are runaway leaders, South Africa strong. UAE’s win gives them 2 points and a lifeline – better NRR now. Canada are eliminated, but showed fight. This CAN vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 result keeps associate hopes flickering in a tough group.

How to Watch Highlights in India

Catch full highlights on Disney+ Hotstar or Star Sports YouTube. If you love to read than come on https://crictoss.info

Final Thought

Walking out of Arun Jaitley tonight, you couldn’t help but smile. In a tournament dominated by big names, matches like this CAN vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026 clash show the game’s depth. UAE deserved the win for their fightback, Canada can hold heads high. Associate cricket is alive and kicking – and on Indian soil, that’s something to celebrate.

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