How Did Bosch and Nortje Help SA Limit UAE to 122/6?
Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, Corbin Bosch and Anrich Nortje played pivotal roles in limiting the UAE to 122 runs. With Bosch taking 3 wickets and Nortje claiming 2, South Africa showcased their bowling prowess under challenging conditions. Can they chase down 123 to secure an unbeaten record?
Key Takeaways
Corbin Bosch took 3 wickets for just 12 runs.
Anrich Nortje claimed 2 wickets and maintained pressure on the UAE batsmen.
UAE's innings faltered after a strong start, scoring only 122 runs.
South Africa's bowlers capitalized on the early breakthroughs.
Alishan Sharafu was the top scorer for UAE with 45 runs.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) Corbin Bosch and Anrich Nortje combined for five wickets as South Africa held the United Arab Emirates to a modest score of 122/6 during their final Group D match of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.
With overcast conditions and floodlights activated, Bosch effectively utilized the dampness to claim 3-12, while Nortje contributed with 2-28. George Linde, the left-arm spinner, maintained a tight grip on the game with 1-17, as UAE's innings lost steam after a promising start.
Alishan Sharafu emerged as the top scorer with 45 runs, yet he received little backing from his teammates as South Africa's bowling lineup exerted consistent pressure. Despite having dropped four catches, the Proteas ensured that UAE couldn't recover from early losses.
To complete their Group D engagements with an unbeaten record, South Africa now needs to chase down 123, provided the covers on the playing field due to light rain are removed promptly.
Kagiso Rabada showcased his pace and bounce, although Aryansh Sharma managed to top-edge him for a six in the opening over. A shift in bowling strategy for Rabada backfired when Muhammad Waseem hit him for three consecutive boundaries.
The duo added 38 runs for the initial wicket before Linde's introduction in the fifth over gave South Africa the breakthrough, trapping Waseem lbw for 22. Bosch tightened the grip further by dismissing Aryansh with a short delivery that was top-edged to Quinton de Kock for 13.
In his subsequent spell, Bosch struck again, removing the in-form Sohaib Khan for six, as he edged to de Kock moving to his right. Linde and Nortje kept the pressure mounting on UAE, accounting for Syed Haider, whose top-edge was pulled to mid-wicket.
Throughout this, Sharafu delighted the 12,000-strong crowd by hitting five fours and a six to score 45 off 38 balls. Despite two lucky breaks, Nortje eventually dismissed him when he pulled to mid-wicket, where a teammate skillfully avoided a collision while taking the catch.
Sharafu's dismissal meant that UAE couldn't gain the necessary momentum, as Bosch returned to claim Muhammad Arfan for 11. The UAE never recovered after the powerplay, leaving the Proteas with a manageable target for a perfect league record.
Brief Scores: UAE 122/6 in 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu 45, Muhammad Waseem 22; Corbin Bosch 3-12, Anrich Nortje 2-28) against South Africa
Point of View
It's evident that South Africa's bowling attack displayed remarkable skill and resilience against the UAE. Despite the challenges of dropped catches, they successfully controlled the game to limit their opponents to a modest total. This performance not only highlights their strength but also sets the stage for an exciting chase.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the standout players in South Africa's match against UAE?
Corbin Bosch and Anrich Nortje were the standout players, taking a combined total of five wickets.
What was the final score of the UAE innings?
The UAE finished their innings at 122 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.
How many runs does South Africa need to win?
South Africa needs to chase down 123 runs to secure victory.
