South Africa and the West Indies will fine-tune their T20 World Cup 2026 preparations with a three-match T20I series, which is set to begin on Tuesday, January 27, at Boland Park in Paarl. The hosts will enter the contest as clear favourites, while the Caribbean side can dominate on their day in the shorter format.
South Africa rely on strong batting and a lethal pace attack, and the West Indies bring their trademark Caribbean flair and raw power. The visiting team is eager to silence critics after a recent setback against Afghanistan. Notably, the Proteas will face the unpredictable explosiveness of the Men in Maroon.
This article provides the probable playing XIs of South Africa and West Indies for the first T20I, likely team combinations, and key players to watch in Paarl.
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South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies – 1st T20I
Openers: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton
Quinton de Kock will be the main attacking batter at the top. The experienced opener will look to take advantage of the powerplay. Ryan Rickelton is expected to partner him at the top. Rickelton has been in excellent form in domestic cricket and provides a dynamic left-handed option to keep the scoreboard moving.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Jason Smith/Rubin Hermann
Captain Aiden Markram will anchor the innings and also offer useful off-spin against left-handers. Tristan Stubbs has developed into a dependable middle-order hitter and can clear the boundary with ease.
Dewald Brevis 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 Hermann could get a chance in the playing XI. Marco Jansen provides an awkward bounce with the ball and valuable hitting down the order.
Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin attack. Kagiso Rabada will spearhead the pace unit with speed and accuracy. Anrich Nortje brings raw pace, while Lungi Ngidi’s variations make him a key weapon in the death overs.
South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith/Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, 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 pacers from the start. He is a stylish stroke-maker who enjoys pace on the ball and will open alongside the raw power of Johnson Charles.
Charles follows a “see ball, hit ball” approach and will aim to make the most of the powerplay. The West Indies opener faces a tough challenge against quality bowlers such as Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd
Captain Shai Hope provides stability at No. 3 and acts as the anchor in an otherwise explosive batting lineup. Shimron Hetmyer adds left-handed flair and power, 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 brings valuable experience and can contribute with both bat and ball. Romario Shepherd offers a similar all-round package with his pace bowling and late-order hitting.
Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie
Akeal Hosein will handle the powerplay overs with his tight lines. Alzarri Joseph leads the pace attack with speed and aggression, while Gudakesh Motie completes the spin unit. The left-arm spinner has been West Indies’ standout bowler in recent times and could be key 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 Motie.
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