South Africa easily won the second match of the 3-match T20 series against West Indies. On the basis of Quinton de Kock’s inning of 115 runs, the host team, chasing the target of 222 runs, defeated the visiting team by 7 wickets. With this win, South Africa took a 2–0 lead over the West Indies.
West Indies announced a power-packed squad ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The ongoing series with South Africa is the best way for them to test the team before this important event. The team selected by Cricket West Indies looks quite balanced on paper. In fact, the team will have to do a lot of work on many sensitive points. South Africa exposed the former World Cup winning team.
West Indies’ tour of South Africa in 2026 is being considered as a good competition before the T20 World Cup. Both the teams have a group of experienced players and they can create havoc in the tournament. The way West Indies have been performing so far is a mere shadow of their peak days in T20s.
South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies – 3rd T20I:
Openers: Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock.
The South African cricket team has shown its confidence in two experienced candidates for the opening slot. Chasing a huge score on 29 January, Quinton de Kock scored 115 runs off 49 balls in a winning effort. However, captain Markram could not add much with his bat. If both the batsmen perform well during the 2026 World Cup, then this pair can wreak havoc.
Middle-order: Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs.
The batting lineup of the South African cricket team is full of explosive batsmen. Richelieu joined Quinton in the middle to enjoy the feats of running in Centurion. Rickelton remained unbeaten on 77 to confirm their second consecutive win. There is no possibility of seeing any change in this batting order.
Bowlers: Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Kwena Mafaka.
The pitch at Centurion is not ideal for bowlers. Keshav Maharaj was the only standout bowler in this match, maintaining an economy rate of 5.50. Nortje achieved an economy rate of 19.67 with his excellent pace. Since the team is on the winning track, the management can keep the same group of players for the remaining matches also.
South Africa (Playing XI)-Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Johnson, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Kwena Mfaka.
West Indies vs South Africa Playing XI – 3rd T20I:
Openers: Brandon King and Shai Hope.
West Indies T20 captain Shai Hope was out cheaply, while Brandon King gave the team a solid start. It would be safe to say that they can go with the same opening pair in the next match also.
Middle-order: Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder.
West Indies’ middle order is very strong because of two all-rounders Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder. In fact, the team is batting strongly, loaded with proven explosive batsmen. The score of 221 runs against a strong South African bowling unit is a testament to the prowess of his batting.
Bowlers: Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales and Akeal Hosein.
The weakest part of the team. Apart from Hosein, the team lacks quality in the bowling department. If they keep the same bowlers in the lineup, the fast bowlers will have to prove their abilities before the T20 World Cup 2026.
West Indies (Playing XI)-Brandon King, Shai Hope (c/wk), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Ford, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein.
read more: “I’ve spoken to Otniel Baartman” – South Africa selector denies pacer’s allegations of being sidelined at T20 World Cup
