function from SA20 final Hardly an agreement, yet international cricket is already back in focus. Less than 48 hours after taking part in the title clash, seven players will switch gears and play for their national teams as South Africa and West Indies lock horns in a crucial T20I series. Originally planned for five matches, the series has been shortened to three matches to avoid clashing with the T20 World Cup preparation window – the ultimate goal for both teams.
Memories of the last global tournament are still fresh in the minds of both sides. South Africa came very close to lifting the trophy, but missed the final against India by just seven runs, while the West Indies were eliminated in the Super Eights after losing to the Proteas. With South Africa having recently tasted glory on the world stage in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) and West Indies keen to recapture the magic of their T20 World Cup triumph from a decade ago, the hunger to go one step further is stronger than ever.
Although these matches are officially seen as preparation, the desire to win does not diminish. South Africa’s recent form has been inconsistent, with injuries and player unavailability hampering their progress. West Indies also had to face a tough performance last year but this time they reached without any major selection excuse.
Both teams have named their full T20 World Cup squads, although South Africa will rest some key players early david miller His recovery continues. Interestingly, these two sides seem to have developed a habit of meeting just before the World Cup – making this series not just a warm-up, but a crucial psychological battle ahead of the global stage.
South Africa vs West Indies 2026, T20I Series: Fixtures
- 1st T20I: January 27, Paarl – 6:00 pm local time/ 9:30 pm IST/ 4:00 pm IST
- 2nd T20I: January 29, Centurion – 6:00 pm local time/ 9:30 pm IST/ 4:00 pm IST
- 3rd T20I: January 31, Johannesburg – 6:00 pm local time/ 9:30 pm IST/ 4:00 pm IST
squads
South Africa: Luan-Dre Pretorius (1st T20I), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Dewald Brewis, Aiden Markram (captain), Jason Smith, Rubin Harman, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Ethan Bosch (1st T20I), Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Mafaka, Quinton de Kock (2nd & 3rd T20I), Tristan Stubbs (2nd and 3rd T20I), Marco Jansen (2nd and 3rd T20I)
West Indies: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (captain & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Moti, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
- India: Sony Sports Network; sony liv
- UK: supersport cricket
- Pakistan: frenzy
- USA and Canada: willow tv [Sign up here]
- Australia: fox cricket
- New Zealand: sky sports nz
- West Indies: espn caribbean
- MENA countries: starzplay
