South Africa and West Indies will boost their T20 World Cup 2026 preparations with a three-match T20 series, which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 27 at Boland Park in Paarl. The hosts will enter the contest as clear favourites, while the Caribbean side could dominate their day in the shorter format.
South Africa rely on strong batting and a deadly pace attack, and the West Indies bring their trademark Caribbean flair and raw power. After the recent defeat against Afghanistan, the visiting team is desperate to silence the critics. In particular, the Proteas will have to face the unpredictable explosiveness of the men in maroon.
This article provides information on the probable playing XIs of South Africa and West Indies for the first T20I, possible team combinations and key players to watch out for in Paarl.
South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies – 1st T20I
Openers: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton
Quinton de Kock will be the main attacking batsman at the top. The experienced opening batsman would like to take advantage of the powerplay. Hopefully Ryan Rickelton will join him at the top. Rickelton has been in great form in domestic cricket and provides a dynamic left-arm option to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Aiden Markram (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brewis, Marco Johnson, Jason Smith/Rubin Harman.
Captain Aiden Markram will open the innings and will also offer useful off-spin against left-handed batsmen. Tristan Stubbs has developed into a reliable middle-order hitter and can hit the boundary with ease.
Dewald Brewis adds an X-factor to the lineup with his 360-degree batting. In the absence of David Miller and Donovan Ferreira, Jason Smith or Rubin Harman may get a chance in the playing eleven. Marco Jensen gives strange bounce to the ball and hits valuable hits down the order.
Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin attack. Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace unit with pace and accuracy. Anrich Nortje brings raw pace, while Lungi Ngidi’s versatility makes him a major weapon in the death overs.
South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith/Rubin Harman, Dewald Brewis, Marco Johnson, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi.
West Indies Playing XI vs South Africa – 1st T20I
Openers: Brandon King, Johnson Charles
Brandon King will look to attack the South African fast bowlers from the start. He is a stylish stroke-maker who enjoys ball movement and Johnson will start alongside the raw power of Charles.
Charles follows a “see the ball, hit the ball” approach and will aim to make the most of the powerplay. The West Indies opener faces a tough challenge against quality bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Johnson.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Shai Hope (captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd.
Captain Shai Hope provides stability at No. 3 and acts as an anchor in an otherwise explosive batting lineup. Shimron Hetmyer adds left-handed flair and strength, especially against spin in the middle overs.
Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford are the designated finishers, capable of clearing the ropes in the death overs. Jason Holder has valuable experience and can contribute with both bat and ball. Romario Shepherd provides a similar all-round package with his fast bowling and late-order hitting.
Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Moti
Akeal Hosein will handle the powerplay overs with his tight lines. Alzarri Joseph leads the pace attack with pace and aggression, while Gudakesh Moti completes the spin unit. The left-arm spinner has been West Indies’ standout bowler in recent times and could be crucial on the Paarl surface.
West Indies playing XI: Brandon King, Johnson Charles (wk), Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Moti.
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