South Africa and West Indies clash in the first of three T20 Internationals on Tuesday the 27th of January, with the series opener set to take place in Paarl at Boland Park. Below, we take a closer look at squads, recent form, and key betting insights ahead of the first match.
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, both teams will be looking to sharpen up and get a better feel for their best XI.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa enter this T20 series looking to find consistency after a challenging few months in the format. Their recent tour of Pakistan produced mixed results and after starting with a commanding 55-run win in Rawalpindi, they suffered back-to-back defeats in Lahore by 9 wickets and 4 wickets respectively.
That was followed by a tough series in India during December where they lost three of the four matches, including defeats by 101 runs at Barabati Stadium and 30 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium although they did manage an impressive 51-run victory in the second clash.
Despite those setbacks, the Proteas squad remains packed with quality and match winning ability. Aiden Markram leads the side, supported by a powerful batting unit that includes Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton although punters should note that the Sunrisers Eastern Cape players involved in Sundays SA20 final will be rested for the 1st T20.
Their bowling attack is equally formidable with Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi offering serious pace and firepower, while Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj add balance and control.
South Africa T20 Squad to face West Indies:
1. Aiden Markram (c), 2. Corbin Bosch, 3. Dewald Brevis, 4. Quinton de Kock, 5. Rubin Hermann, 6. Marco Jansen, 7. George Linde, 8. Keshav Maharaj, 9. Kwena Maphaka, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Anrich Nortje, 12. Kagiso Rabada, 13. Ryan Rickelton, 14. Jason Smith, 15. Tristan Stubbs
Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Eathan Bosch have been called up for the 1st T20 only due to De Kock, Stubbs and Jansen being rested so keep an eye on those top bat and bowler markets.
WEST INDIES
West Indies arrive in South Africa after a busy and turbulent run of T20 fixtures over the past few months. Their tour of New Zealand in November produced just one win from five matches, highlighted by a narrow 7-run victory at Eden Park. Other than that, they struggled losing three games and seeing one end in a no result.
More recently an under strength West Indies faced Afghanistan in Dubai during January, where they lost the first two matches by 38 and 39 runs before salvaging some pride with a 15-run win in the third T20I. They will welcome back some of their stars who were involved in the SA20.
West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and T20Is vs SA
Shai Hope (capt), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The recent meetings between South Africa and West Indies have tilted firmly in favour of the Caribbean side. In August 2024, West Indies won all three T20Is on home soil at the Brian Lara Stadium claiming victories by 7 wickets, 30 runs and 8 wickets respectively.
Across their last eight encounters, West Indies have won seven with the Proteas claiming victory just once.
BETTING – Click here to bet
South Africa 1.29
West Indies 3.65
SUGGESTED BETS:
West Indies win at 3.65
This price looks too big given the quality of players returning to the squad and the fact that the SEC trio will miss this match.
Top South African Batsman – Ryan Rickelton at 4.75
Rickelton enjoyed another successful SA20 although his firm dipped a bit towards the end. I expect him to open the innings so if his eye is in he will get plenty of time at the crease.
Top West Indies Batsman – Sherfane Rutherford at 6.00
Rutherford enters this match on the back of an outstanding SA20 tournament where he played his role perfectly to rescue his team and set up match winning positions on numerous occasions. I believe there is value in him at this price even though time at the crease in this format can be a problem if he comes in down the order.
Duck Off
Single/ Straight bets only.
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Free Bets do not count towards this offer.
Refund must be claimed within 24 hours of the match finishing.
Refund limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
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Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘Duck Off’ to claim your voucher within 24 hours of the match finishing.
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
