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If you’re trying to keep up with the UAE’s journey in this T20 World Cup, you’re in the right place. This guide is built to save you the headache, covering everything from official channels like CricLife Max and Sky Sports to the best ways to watch when you’re away from home. Whether you’re cheering from a lounge in Dubai or you’re halfway across the world on a business trip, you shouldn’t have to miss a single delivery.
The UAE is currently grinding through Group D, a pool that’s proving to be a real test of character. After a tough start against New Zealand, the vibe around this team has completely shifted thanks to a massive, heart-thumping win over Canada in Delhi. This victory has not only powered the players but has also ignited the fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere as they look ahead to the next challenges in the tournament.
UAE’s Group Stage: Results & Schedule
The campaign has been a rollercoaster. On February 10, the UAE faced a tough opener against New Zealand and lost by 10 wickets. However, they bounced back on February 13, achieving a historic 5-wicket victory over Canada at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This win flipped the script for the tournament and boosted their momentum as they gear up for a crucial clash with Afghanistan, followed by a match against South Africa. Chasing down 151 against Canada has kept their Super Eight dreams alive.
| Match | Date | Venue | Result / Status |
| vs New Zealand | Feb 10, 2026 | Chennai | NZ won by 10 wickets |
| vs Canada | Feb 13, 2026 | Delhi | UAE won by 5 wickets |
| vs Afghanistan | Feb 16, 2026 | Delhi | Upcoming (9:30 AM GST) |
| vs South Africa | Feb 18, 2026 | Delhi | Upcoming (9:30 AM GST) |
The Squad and Players to Watch
The 2026 UAE roster is a great mix of cool-headed veterans and some seriously exciting new talent. Muhammad Waseem is still the heartbeat of the batting order, and when he gets going in the powerplay, there’s nobody more fun to watch in Associate cricket. But the real talk of the town lately has been about Aryansh Sharma. His unbeaten 74 against Canada was a masterclass in how to stay calm when the pressure is on. He found a perfect partner in Sohaib Khan, whose aggressive 51 basically took the game away from Canada.
On the bowling side, Junaid Siddique has been a force of nature. His recent five-wicket haul was the kind of performance that makes people sit up and take notice. Backed up by the clever spin of Muhammad Jawadullah and the reliability of Alishan Sharafu in the middle order, this team has shown they have the tools to cause some serious trouble for the big teams like Afghanistan and the Proteas.
Where to Actually Watch UAE Games Live
Navigating the broadcast landscape for the T20 World Cup 2026 can feel like a complex puzzle, but securing a front-row seat to the action is straightforward once you identify the official provider for your specific region.
If you are tuning in from the UAE or across the wider MENA territory, the primary destination is CricLife Max, which is most easily accessed through the STARZPLAY app. This platform provides a high-quality digital experience featuring the global broadcast feed supplemented by regional experts who offer specialized analysis for local supporters. For those who prefer a communal atmosphere, major cinema chains like VOX, Reel, and Roxy Cinemas are screening the high-stakes matches on their massive screens across the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, providing a stadium-like experience.
In North America, specifically the United States and Canada, Willow by Cricbuzz serves as the exclusive broadcaster for all 55 tournament matches, notably offering viewers the choice between English and Hindi commentary. For those without a cable subscription, Sling TV offers an easy entry point via their Desi Binge or Dakshin Flex packages.
Fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland can find every delivery on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with NOW Sports providing a contract-free streaming alternative. In India, the tournament is available via Star Sports and the JioHotstar platform, while fans in Australia can stream matches on Prime Video.
For those in New Zealand, Sky Sport remains the official home for cricket. In regions without a primary local broadcaster, such as Germany or Italy, the ICC.tv platform ensures global access by streaming the games directly to fans in over 80 territories.
Watch the Games with a VPN
If you’re traveling, geo-blocking is going to be your biggest enemy. There’s nothing more frustrating than opening your STARZPLAY or Sky Go app only to be told you’re in the wrong country. A VPN is basically a digital tunnel that puts you back in your home living room so your apps actually work.
NordVPN is usually a top pick for sports because it uses a protocol called NordLynx that’s built for speed—you won’t get that annoying “spinning circle” right as a wicket is about to fall. ExpressVPN is great if you aren’t a tech person; it’s incredibly simple and works on almost everything from your phone to your smart TV.
If you’re traveling with a group, Surfshark is a solid value since it lets you connect as many devices as you want at once. Just hop on, connect to a server in your home country, and you’re ready to go. It’s a simple fix that ensures you won’t miss the UAE vs. Afghanistan match just because you’re across the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I stream the UAE matches live in the Middle East?
The exclusive digital home for the T20 World Cup 2026 in the UAE and the wider MENA region is STARZPLAY. You can subscribe to the STARZPLAY Sports package to access the CricLife Max channel, which broadcasts every match live with expert analysis and high-definition coverage.
Are there any options to watch the games for free in the UAE?
While the primary broadcast is behind a subscription on STARZPLAY, fans can often find promotional offers. For instance, purchasing specific “Rainbow” milk promotional packs has previously provided vouchers for free STARZPLAY access. Additionally, the ICC app and website provide free live radio commentary and extensive highlights for all matches.
Which cinemas in the UAE are showing the T20 World Cup matches?
Major cinema chains across the Emirates are hosting live screenings to provide a stadium-like atmosphere. You can book tickets at VOX Cinemas, Reel Cinemas, and Roxy Cinemas. These screenings are particularly popular for high-stakes games and matches involving the UAE or other major regional teams.
How can I watch the matches if I am traveling outside of the UAE?
If you are outside the MENA region, your local subscription like STARZPLAY may be geo-blocked. You can use a reliable VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN to connect to a UAE server and access your account as usual. Alternatively, you can check local broadcasters such as Sky Sports in the UK, Willow TV in North America, or Prime Video in Australia.
What is the schedule for the UAE’s remaining group stage fixtures?
Following their historic win against Canada, the UAE has two critical matches left in Group D, both taking place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. They face Afghanistan on February 16, 2026, followed by their final group game against South Africa on February 18, 2026. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM GST.
Final Thoughts
That win in Delhi has completely changed the energy around this team. We aren’t just talking about “making an appearance” anymore; we’re talking about a genuine run for the Super Eights. The next match against Afghanistan is going to be a massive tactical battle, especially on a slow Delhi track where spin will be king. Captain Muhammad Waseem and the boys have the momentum, and if they can keep that same clinical edge, anything is possible.
Just a heads-up for those watching: the weather in Delhi can be a bit unpredictable this time of year, so it’s worth checking the pitch report before you settle in. Set your alarm for 9:15 AM GST to give yourself a little buffer to get your stream or VPN connected and catch the national anthems. It’s a huge moment for UAE cricket, and it feels like we’re just getting started.
