The South Africa tour of West Indies 2026 begins with the senior series opener at Boland Park in Paarl. This three-match T20I series serves as an important warm-up for both sides. T20 World Cup 2026it starts in just two weeks. led by South Africa Aiden MarkramLooking to bounce back from their recent series defeat to India, West Indies are aiming to find their rhythm after a shock defeat. Afghanistan. With the SA20 season just over, players from both camps are battle-hardened and familiarized with the local conditions.
SA vs WI, 1st T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 27 (Tuesday); 21:30 IST / 16:00 GMT / 18:00 LOCAL
- Location: Boland Park, Paarl
Head-to-head Record (T20I):
Matches played: 26 | West Indies Won: 14 | South Africa won by: 12 | No result: 0
Boland Park, Paarl Pitch Report
Boland Park is traditionally a sports wicket offering fair competition between bat and ball. Unlike some high-altitude tracks in the Highveld, Paarl provides a surface that tends to slow down as play progresses and favors spinners. Keshav Maharaj and Gudakesh Movement extremely effective in the middle. However, the new ball often falls into the bat beautifully under lights, allowing the openers to exploit the Powerplay. Historical data shows that chasing is the preferred strategy here as the temperature drops and the pitch becomes more consistent. The captain who wins the toss is likely to elect to bowl first.
South Africa vs West Indies: Team dynamics and key players
South Africa: The Proteas welcome the experienced Kagiso Rabada after a rib injury, a giant tempo battery head. Devald BrewisThe SA20 star is expected to bring his explosive form to the national side. And the hosts will miss their services David Miller (injury) and Tristan Stubbs (rest for this game), remains strong with hitting depth Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock. Inclusion You are cats adds fresh, left-handed variety to his attacks.
West Indies: The Caribbean side comes with a squad built for strength. Shai Umid leads the team and has been in prolific form on South African soil during the domestic T20 league. Visitors boast incredible comprehensive depth Jason Holder and Romario Shepherdboth can turn the game with either skill. Their success will depend on their aggressive hitting, Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford, Drive the bounce of South African roads. Gudakesh Movement will be the primary defensive weapon on the Paarl surface, which rewards flight and turn.
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Teams:
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Devald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Rubin Hermann, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs.
West Indies: Shai Hope (c & wk), Johnson Charles (wk), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Shephe Seales, Romario
SA vs WI, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- South Africa win the toss first
- West Indies powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
- West Indies total score: 165-180
Case 2:
- West Indies win the toss first
- South Africa powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
- South Africa total score: 175-190
Match Result: South Africa will win the competition.
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