AFG vs UAE Dream11 Prediction Today: Match 28, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Expert fantasy cricket tips, pitch report, and playing 11 for Match 28 of T20 World Cup 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 moves to a high-stakes encounter as Afghanistan takes on the United Arab Emirates in Match 28. For Rashid Khan’s men, it’s a do-or-die situation. After a heart-wrenching double Super Over loss against South Africa and a defeat to New Zealand, the Afghans have no margin for error. On the other hand, the UAE is riding high after a clinical victory over Canada and will look to play the role of giant-killers in the national capital of India.
Match Info
| Category | Details |
| Match | Afghanistan (AFG) vs United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Date & Time | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network & JioHotstar |
Pitch Report
The Arun Jaitley Stadium is traditionally a batter’s paradise in T20 cricket. However, with an 11:00 AM local start, the pitch often retains some moisture, offering significant swing for pacers in the first 4–6 overs.
- Average Score: 165–175.
- Spin vs Pace: Seamers dominate early, while spinners like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will find grip as the match progresses and the surface dries under the sun.
- Fantasy Impact: Load up on top-order batters who can handle the initial movement and bank on death-over specialists for wickets.
Weather Update
| Condition | Forecast |
| Temperature | 28°C (High) |
| Rain Chance | 0% (Clear Skies) |
| Humidity | 38% |
| Wind Speed | 5 mph (West) |
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Form Guide
T20I Records:
- Total Matches: 14
- Afghanistan Wins: 11
- UAE Wins: 3
Last 5 Matches (Latest first):
- Afghanistan: L, L, L, W, W
- UAE: W, L, L, L, L
Probable Playing XI
Afghanistan (AFG)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen-ul-Haq / Shahidullah Kamal
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Muhammad Waseem (c)
- Aryansh Sharma (wk)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Sohaib Khan
- Mayank Kumar
- Muhammad Farooq
- Dhruv Parashar
- Junaid Siddique
- Muhammad Jawadullah
- Muhammad Rohid Khan
- Haider Ali
Dream11 Prediction: Selection Strategy
Small League (Safe Picks)
- Captain Choice: Rashid Khan. In a must-win game, expect the skipper to lead from the front. His 4 overs are gold on this Delhi track.
- Vice-Captain Choice: Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Despite recent team losses, Gurbaz’s intent in the powerplay makes him a high-value pick.
Grand League (Differential Picks)
- Azmatullah Omarzai: Often overlooked as a C/VC, but his ability to pick early wickets and strike big in the middle order is a game-changer.
- Aryansh Sharma: UAE’s anchor. If Afghanistan’s pace battery fails to strike early, he could post a massive score.
Key Player Analysis
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (Bowler): His left-arm angle and ability to swing the ball back in will be a nightmare for UAE’s right-handed top order.
- Muhammad Waseem (Batter): A fearless striker. If he survives the first 3 overs, the Delhi boundaries will feel very small.
- Noor Ahmad (All-rounder): Showed his batting mettle in the last game and remains a mystery with his “wrong-uns.”
Expert’s Verdict (E-E-A-T)
“The 11 AM start is the tactical pivot of this match. I recommend picking Fazalhaq Farooqi as a ‘Must-Have’ because the morning moisture in Delhi will assist his natural swing. For the captaincy, Rashid Khan is the safest bet as UAE has historically struggled against high-quality leg-spin.” — Battingfirst Data Analyst
Match Prediction
Win Probability: AFG (75%) | UAE (25%)
Afghanistan’s superior bowling depth and experience in high-pressure ICC events give them a massive edge. Expect a professional performance from the Afghans to stay alive in the tournament.
Final Dream11 Team (Balanced)
- Wicket-Keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu
- All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai (VC), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib
- Bowlers: Rashid Khan (C), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Junaid Siddique
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Who will win AFG vs UAE today? Afghanistan is the favorite due to their world-class spin unit and superior H2H record.
- What is the best C/VC choice for Dream11? Rashid Khan (C) and Azmatullah Omarzai or R. Gurbaz (VC).
- How is the pitch at Arun Jaitley Stadium? Batting-friendly, but offers early swing for pacers due to the morning start.
- Are there any injury updates? No major injuries reported; both teams are likely to field their strongest XI.
- Is dew a factor in this match? No, as it’s a daytime match starting at 11:00 AM.
- Where can I join for last-minute team updates? Follow the Battingfirst WhatsApp Channel for the final team after the toss.
