UAE Clinch Last‑Over Thriller to Defeat Canada by Five Wickets
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, February 13, 2026 —

The United Arab Emirates held their nerve in a tense finish to secure a five‑wicket victory over Canada with just two balls to spare, capping off a gripping limited‑overs contest that swung repeatedly before the hosts closed it out in style.
A Tight Chase Under Pressure
Chasing a competitive target set by Canada, the UAE batting unit showed composure despite regular breakthroughs from the Canadian bowlers. The innings was anchored by a steady middle‑order partnership that rebuilt momentum after early wickets threatened to derail the chase.
As the match entered its final over, the UAE required a handful of runs with limited deliveries remaining. Demonstrating calm under pressure, the lower order rotated the strike effectively before a decisive boundary sealed the win with two balls left, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
Canada’s Fighting Effort
Canada had earlier posted a respectable total, built on disciplined batting and opportunistic stroke play. Their top order provided a solid foundation, while the middle order added crucial runs to keep the scoreboard moving. Despite facing tight spells from UAE’s bowlers, Canada managed to stay competitive throughout the innings.
Their bowlers carried that fighting spirit into the second innings, striking at key moments to keep the match alive until the very end. However, the lack of a breakthrough in the closing overs ultimately proved costly.
A Valuable Win for UAE
The victory adds momentum to the UAE’s ongoing campaign, showcasing its depth, resilience, and ability to perform in high‑pressure situations. For Canada, the narrow defeat will be a tough pill to swallow, but their spirited performance highlighted several positives to build on in upcoming fixtures.
Both teams are expected to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matches, with analysts noting that the competitive nature of this contest reflects the growing strength and balance among emerging cricketing nations.