Junaid Siddique's 5-for, coupled with a decent performance with the bat, helped UAE win with two balls to spare.
Canada's uneven start
Canada, who chose to bat first, didn’t get the best of starts as UAE's bowlers struck thrice in the powerplay, leaving them at 39/3 after six overs. The pressure only mounted on them as Harsh Thaker fell to a successful review.
However, Thaker dug in well, hitting a 50 off 40, including three sixes. He got some much-needed support from Nikhil Dutta, and later on, the lower middle order helped them to rebuild.
Canada crossed 100 in the 14th over, and despite a late charge, they managed to finish at 150/7 in 20 overs.
UAE's reply: Sharma sets the tempo, Khan finishes strongly
Chasing, UAE began well, reaching 39/1 in the powerplay. Aayan Sharma provided the anchor with a 50 off 41, always keeping the target in sight.
There were some losses in the middle overs, but Sohaib Khan turned the tables with a 50 off 28, scoring four fours and four sixes. The game was shifting in favor of UAE with Sohaib’s batting.
UAE reached the target in 19.4 overs, scoring 151/5 and securing the match with two overs to spare.
Junaid Siddique’s match-winning spell
Junaid Siddique stole the show with his 5-wicket haul, securing the match with 5/35, and earning the Player of the Match award.
Match snapshot
Canada: 150/7 (20 overs)
UAE: 151/5 (19.4 overs)
Result: UAE won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Junaid Siddique (5/35)
UAE’s win in the T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match against Canada will boost their chances, but Canada must gear up and perform well in the next match.