Preparations for the T20 World Cup will continue with the second match of the three-match T20 series between South Africa and West Indies. South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies Playing XI An attempt will be made to test the players on their merit before finalizing the combination for the T20 World Cup.
South Africa has one of the most formidable batting units in the world and is bolstered by its lethal pace attack. What he had during the India tour was not even 50% of his lethal pace attack. However, with the return of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj, they have created an unmatched aura.
This article provides information on the probable playing XIs of South Africa and West Indies for the second T20I as well as possible player combinations and key players to watch out for in Centurion.
South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies Playing XI – 2nd T20I
South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies – 2nd T20I
Openers: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (captain)
Quinton de Kock will be South Africa’s main attacking batsman. Since his return to international cricket, he has played a very important role in the T20I format. QDK had an excellent performance in the series against India, where South Africa could only manage one win.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram has been doing everything right for South Africa in recent times. No matter the format of the game, Markram has been South Africa’s sole hero.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brewis, Marco Johnson, George Linde.
Ryan Rickelton has not been named in the ICC T20 World Cup preliminary squad, nor has Tristan Stubbs; However, after their promising performances in SA20, CSA may consider reconsidering some of their calls.
In such a situation, this series will prove to be very important from their point of view. Next comes the in-form Dewald Brewis, who recently scored a brilliant century in the SA20 final.
South Africa’s all-rounders will need to take charge with the bat as well, as Marco Jensen could get a promotion in the batting department, especially in the absence of Dewald Brewis and Donovan Ferreira for the series.
Bowlers: Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
Experienced fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will pair with Anrich Nortje, who has returned to the national team after having his campaigns disrupted by several injuries over the last few years. He will be paired with experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Corbyn Bosch could be selected in place of Lungi Ngidi to add depth to the South African batting line-up. Bosch has often shown how useful he is with the ball, especially in the death overs.
South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brewis, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Corbin Bosch.
West Indies Playing XI vs South Africa – 2nd T20I
Openers: Brandon King, Johnson Charles
As usual, West Indies will rely on their batsmen Johnson Charles and Brandon King to open their innings. His role in T20Is has been quite stable for the Windies.
While Johnson Charles will aim to outwit the bowlers by making good use of the powerplay, Brandon King will provide the required stability from the other end.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Shai Hope (captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
It is expected that the return of the captain will provide some relief to the West Indies middle-order, which otherwise looked very strong. Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford are in-form batsmen, and players like Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd add firepower to a very hard-working batting lineup.
Bowlers: Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Jaden Seales, Gudakesh Moti/Shamar Joseph
Veteran campaigner Jason Holder will be the pundit above all other players. Holder has more experience than the captain. A true veteran of T20 cricket, the former West Indies captain knew how to make situations his own.
Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Moti are likely to be the spin options as Shai Hope’s return leaves no room for all-rounder Roston Chase. Jaden Seales Pace may be the sole man in charge of the deck, while Shamar Joseph is still on the bench.
West Indies playing XI: Brandon King, Johnson Charles (wk), Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, and Gudakesh Moti/Shamar Joseph.
Also read: Shocking! Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya will join Team India before T20 World Cup 2026.
