Afghanistan defeated United Arab Emirates by 5 wickets in Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on Monday 16 February 2026, with the match starting at 11:00 IST (UTC+5:30). Arun Jaitley Stadium holds 41,000 spectators and is one of Delhi’s most iconic sporting venues, having hosted international cricket since the colonial era under its original name, Feroz Shah Kotla.

Afghanistan’s cricket story is one of sport’s most remarkable. The national team emerged from a country devastated by decades of conflict, nurtured by players who had learned cricket in refugee camps in Pakistan. By 2026, Afghanistan were a Full Member of the ICC with genuine world-class players, including Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 bowlers in the history of the format.

The United Arab Emirates draw their cricketing talent from the Gulf’s large South Asian diaspora, combining players from various backgrounds under a single national identity. Their consistent qualification for ICC Associate events reflects the genuine cricket culture that has developed in the region, supported by world-class facilities and a passionate community of fans.

Afghanistan’s 5-wicket win confirmed their status as the stronger side in this Associate-versus-Associate encounter in Group D. With New Zealand and South Africa also in the group, every point from these matches was critical for both nations’ qualification hopes.

Timezone conversions for the 11:00 IST (UTC+5:30) start: India: 11:00 IST, London: 05:30 GMT, New York: 00:30 EST, Sydney: 16:30 AEDT.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was the 10th edition, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, featuring 20 teams across 55 matches between 7 February and 8 March 2026. India defeated New Zealand in the final at Ahmedabad. Afghanistan’s win over UAE kept their Group D campaign alive as they chased qualification for the Super Eights.

For timezone conversions, check Delhi time, Afghanistan time, and United Arab Emirates time.