South Africa will host West Indies in a three-match T20I series, with the first match taking place on Tuesday, January 27 at Boland Park, Paarl. The upcoming series will be important for both the teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 11.
West Indies reached South Africa after suffering a 2-1 defeat in the series against Afghanistan. However, their recent record against the Proteas in this format is strong. Playing on home soil, South Africa will look to make use of the local conditions to ensure victory.
This article provides a detailed match prediction for SA vs WI 1st T20I, analyzing head-to-head records, key players clash and victory chances.
South Africa vs West Indies Match Prediction: Who will win the 1st T20I?
Match Details:
match: South Africa vs West Indies, 1st T20 match
date: 27 January 2026
Time: 9:30 PM IST (6:00 PM local time)
venue: Boland Park, Paarl
live streaming: sonyliv
Live broadcast: Sony Sports Network
South Africa vs West Indies match prediction, head-to-head record
South Africa and West Indies have played each other 26 times in T20Is. West Indies have won 14 matches, while South Africa have won 12 matches.
West Indies have won 5 out of 9 matches on South African soil. The Caribbean team has won four of the last five T20 matches against the Proteas.
Pitch Report and Terms
The pitch at Boland Park is commonly known as the sporting wicket. The new ball comes well on the bat, giving the openers a chance to play their shots freely in the powerplay.
However, as the match progresses, the surface often becomes slow, allowing spinners and cutters to come into play. A score of around 160-170 is considered par and competitive at this position.
South Africa vs West Indies Weather Report
Weather conditions in Paarl are expected to be favorable on the day of the match. Skies should be clear and warm, with daytime temperatures reaching around 31°C. There is no rain forecast, which will ensure that the entire 40 over match is played without any interruption.
South Africa vs West Indies match prediction, probable XI
South Africa’s playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith/Rubin Harman, Dewald Brewis, Marco Johnson, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi.
West Indies playing eleven: Brandon King, Johnson Charles (wk), Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Moti.
toss effect
Toss can play an important role in Boland Park. If there is dew under the lights, the ball is likely to skid better on the bat in the second innings. The captain who wins the toss can choose to bowl first.
form and fitness
Boosted by the return of Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje, South Africa will enter the series with a full strength squad. The players have been active in the SA20 league, which will help them be match ready.
West Indies is trying to make a comeback after losing the series to Afghanistan. However, the consistency of their middle-order batsmen against spin remains a matter of concern.
score prediction
A first innings total between 160 and 175 should be competitive. The pitch is expected to yield runs initially, but scoring may slow down in the middle overs.
South Africa vs West Indies: Prediction of players to perform
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Johnson, Tristan Stubbs
West Indies: Shai Hope, Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Gudakesh Moti, Alzarri Joseph
South Africa vs West Indies: Best Batsman Prediction
South Africa: Quinton de Kock or Aiden Markram
West Indies: Brandon King or Shai Hope
South Africa vs West Indies: Best Bowler Prediction
South Africa: Kagiso Rabada or Marco Janssen
West Indies: Gudakesh Moti or Alzarri Joseph
Conclusion: Who will win South Africa vs West Indies 1st T20 match?
South Africa will start the match as favourites. Although West Indies have enjoyed better results in recent head-to-heads, the Proteas have home advantage, a full-strength squad and a bowling attack better suited to local conditions.
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