Canada vs UAE: Who Stays Alive in T20 World Cup 2026 Race?

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi hosts a crucial Group D encounter as Canada faces United Arab Emirates in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on February 13. Both teams occupy the bottom positions in Group D, desperately needing victory to keep qualification hopes alive. Canada sits fifth with zero points from one match and a net run rate of -2.850 after South Africa crushed them by 57 runs on February 9, 2026. UAE finds itself in fourth position with zero points and a net run rate of -2.763 following New Zealand's comprehensive 10-wicket victory on February 10. This match represents a must-win situation for both teams, as defeat virtually eliminates any realistic Super 8 qualification chances.

Recent Form Analysis

Both teams enter this Canada vs UAE clash carrying the weight of heavy defeats in their tournament openers, creating desperation for points.

Canada's Disappointing Start

Canada's tournament began disastrously with South Africa demolishing them by 57 runs on February 9, 2026. The margin exposes significant gaps between Canada and top-tier nations. However, their pre-tournament form provides some encouragement.

Canada defeated Bermuda by six wickets with 25 balls remaining on June 22, 2025. Before that, they beat Bahamas by seven wickets with 87 balls left on June 21. Earlier, Canada defeated Cayman by 42 runs on June 19 and crushed Bahamas by 10 wickets via DLS method on June 18.

These victories came against weaker associate nations, raising questions about Canada's ability to compete at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 level. Yuvraj Samra's explosive batting provides hope. The team needs everyone performing together against UAE to stay alive in the tournament.

UAE's Struggling Campaign

UAE's recent form shows consistent defeats against quality opposition. New Zealand crushed them by 10 wickets with 28 balls remaining on February 10, 2026. Before that tournament match, Ireland defeated UAE by 30 runs on January 31 and by 57 runs on January 29.

Earlier, Oman beat UAE by two wickets on the last ball on November 16, 2025. That narrow defeat hurt badly. However, UAE defeated Japan by eight wickets with 47 balls remaining on October 16, showing they can compete at associate level.

Alishan Sharafu leads the batting with consistent performances. Muhammad Waseem provides experience at the top. The bowling attack struggles for wickets against quality batsmen. UAE needs dramatic improvement to defeat Canada in this CAN vs UAE T20 World Cup encounter.

Key Batters to Watch

The batting performances will determine which team escapes the bottom of Group D at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Canada's Batting Hope

Yuvraj Samra emerges as Canada's premier batsman with 346 runs from 10 matches, averaging an impressive 43.25 with a devastating strike rate of 187.02. Samra's explosive batting provides Canada's main threat. His ability to clear boundaries effortlessly makes him dangerous. Canada depends heavily on Samra's performances.

Harsh Thaker offers valuable consistency with 204 runs from nine matches at an excellent average of 51 and strike rate of 139.72. Thaker's stability complements Samra's aggression perfectly. Their partnership could determine Canada's tournament fate.

UAE's Top Order

Alishan Sharafu leads UAE batting with 392 runs from 10 matches, averaging 43.56 with a strike rate of 133.33. Sharafu's consistency provides UAE's batting foundation. His technique and temperament make him UAE's most reliable batsman.

Muhammad Waseem captains while opening the batting, accumulating 278 runs from nine matches at an average of 34.75 and strike rate of 124.66. Waseem's experience guides UAE's batting approach. His partnership with Sharafu proves crucial.

Batters Statistics

Batter	Team	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate
Yuvraj Samra	Canada	10	346	43.25	187.02
Harsh Thaker	Canada	9	204	51	139.72
Alishan Sharafu	UAE	10	392	43.56	133.33
Muhammad Waseem	UAE	9	278	34.75	124.66

Key Bowlers to Watch

The bowling attacks must execute perfectly as both teams desperately need wickets to restrict opponents at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Canada's Bowling Options

Shivam Sharma leads Canada's bowling with 13 wickets from eight matches, boasting an excellent economy rate of 5.24 and strike rate of 11. Sharma's control makes him Canada's most economical bowler. His ability to take wickets while restricting runs proves invaluable.

Kaleem Sana provides pace with 12 wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 5.47 and strike rate of 13.25. Sana's accuracy and ability to move the ball make him dangerous. His partnership with Sharma gives Canada quality bowling depth.

UAE's Bowling Attack

Muhammad Arfan brings pace variety with 10 wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 6.34 and strike rate of 16. Arfan's ability to take wickets in middle overs helps UAE. His recent development strengthens their attack.

Haider Ali provides spin options with nine wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 6.31 and strike rate of 21.33. Ali's control restricts scoring while building pressure. His variations make him valuable in middle overs.

Bowlers Statistics

Bowler	Team	Matches	Wickets	Economy
Shivam Sharma	Canada	8	13	5.24
Kaleem Sana	Canada	8	12	5.47
Muhammad Arfan	UAE	8	10	6.34
Haider Ali	UAE	8	9	6.31

Head-to-Head Record

Historical meetings show limited encounters between these nations in this Canada vs UAE match.

UAE won their only previous meeting by 14 runs on October 27, 2019. That victory gives UAE psychological advantage. However, tournament pressure creates different dynamics. Both teams understand this match could define their tournament experience.

Date	Result
27 Oct 2019	UAE won by 14 runs

Canada vs UAE Full Squads

Both squads feature experienced campaigners fighting to keep tournament dreams alive at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Canada Squad

Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Navneet Dhaliwal, Dilon Heyliger, Ajayveer Hundal, Jaskaran Singh, Kaleem Sana, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (wk), Ansh Patel, Ravinderpal Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Yuvraj Samra, Shivam Sharma, Kanwarpal Tathgur (wk), Harsh Thaker

UAE Squad

Muhammad Waseem (c), Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Harshit Kaushik, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Rohid, Muhammad Zohaib, Dhruv Parashar, Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Simranjeet Singh, Sohaib Khan

Tactical Battle Points

The strategic approaches will significantly influence this high-stakes UAE vs Canada encounter's outcome.

Canada's Game Plan

Canada must start aggressively with Yuvraj Samra attacking from ball one. Harsh Thaker provides stability behind. Building partnerships prevents collapses. Canada's bowling strategy requires early wickets from Shivam Sharma and Kaleem Sana. Controlling powerplay becomes crucial.

UAE's Strategy

UAE relies on Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem providing solid starts. The middle order must support better than against New Zealand. UAE bowlers should target Canada's weaker batsmen after Samra. Muhammad Arfan and Haider Ali must control middle overs.

Arun Jaitley Stadium Conditions

Understanding Delhi's venue characteristics provides context for predicting this match's likely trajectory.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium historically produces balanced contests. Average first-innings scores range around 160-170. The surface offers assistance to spinners as matches progress. February weather brings pleasant temperatures. Dew could affect evening matches, making chasing easier.

Final Thoughts

This Group D encounter between Canada and UAE represents a tournament lifeline for both nations. Canada seeks their first World Cup points desperately. UAE aims to bounce back from heavy defeat. The Arun Jaitley Stadium witnesses elimination desperation as both teams understand defeat virtually ends qualification hopes.