WI vs SA Match Prediction- 1st Test, South Africa Tour Of West Indies 2024

The first WI vs SA Test will be played in Trinidad from August 7-11. The Test match is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. The second Test will be played in Guyana from August 15-19.

WI vs SA Team Analysis

West Indies

West Indies are placed last on the WTC points table. They lost their previous Test series against England 0-3. Playing at home they will back themselves to win against South Africa.

Kemar Roach returns to the squad with Alzarri Joseph rested for the WI vs SA series. The Windies over the years have just won three Tests against the Proteas.

South Africa

South Africa are playing Test cricket after almost six months. They lost their last Test series against New Zealand in February 2024. Kagiso Rabada leads the pace attack with Anrich Nortje dropped. Gerald Coetzee with a side strain.

Uncapped fast bowler Migael Pretorius has been named as Coetzee's replacement for the WI vs SA series. Having a good record against West Indies, South Africa can look to move up the points table.

WI vs SA Key Factors

Pitch Conditions

The best time to bat on the Trinidad track is the first two days when the pitch is at its freshest. The pitch slows down in the next three days.

However, with rain around, it will be interesting to see if they leave a little more grass on the pitch. The average first innings score is just above 300.

Form and Fitness

Both teams have a few key players rested and a few returning from injury. Kemar Roach returns after a knee injury for the Windies while Gerald Coetzee misses out with a side strain. The pace attack from both teas looks decent enough with quality spinners as well.

Tactical Acumen

Playing at home Windies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite should know the pitch conditions better and hence are expected to make better decisions. Both captains will need to field the right combination after understanding the track.

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WI vs SA Score Prediction

Recent Venue Records (Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad )

STATS - TEST

Total matches 62

Matches won batting first 20

Matches won bowling first 18

Average 1st Inns scores 304

Average 2nd Inns scores 313

Average 3rd Inns scores 261

Average 4th Inns scores 166

Highest total recorded 681/8 (198.4 Ov) by WI vs ENG

Lowest total recorded 46/10 (19.1 Ov) by ENG vs WI

Who Will Score Most Runs For South Africa: Aiden Markram / Tony de Zorzi

Who Will Take Most Wickets For South Africa: Kagiso Rabada / Keshav Maharaj

Who Will Score Most Runs For West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite / Kavem Hodge

Who Will Take Most Wickets For West Indies: Kemar Roach / Shamar Joseph

WI vs SA Match Prediction- 1st Test, South Africa Tour Of West Indies 2024

South Africa have won 22 out of the 32 Test matches against West Indies previously. The hosts have won just three. Based on stats the visitors have the edge in the contest.

Conclusion

South Africa are seventh while West Indies ninth on the WTC table heading into this series. A series win is a must if they want to stay relevant in the race to the final. A loss for either side will peg them back by a long way on the points table.

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