WI vs SA Match Preview- 1st T20I, South Africa Tour Of West Indies 2024

The WI vs SA T20I series kicks off after the Test series. All three matches will be played in Trinidad with West Indies aiming to avenge their Test series defeat.

WI v SA Date and Venue

The first WI vs SA T20I will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad from 12.30 am IST on August 24.

WI vs SA Match Preview- 1st T20I, South Africa Tour Of West Indies 2024

West Indies

West Indies are back to playing their favorite format. They did not qualify for the ODI World Cup and they lost the Test series against South Africa.

They have not done well in the WTC 2023-25 campaign but when it comes to playing T20I cricket, this is the format that they enjoy playing. After failing to win the T20 World Cup at home, they would like to make a statement of domination in this format.

A few key players are missing from the squad that's named for this series. Andre Russell and Jason Holder have been rested after playing continuous cricket in different formats recently. Fabian Allen has made a comeback to the squad after missing the T20 World Cup.

Also Read: WI vs SA Head Head Records- 1st T20I, South Africa Tour of West Indies 2024

West Indies Squad

Johnson Charles(w), Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell(c), Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Obed McCoy, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Alick Athanaze, Sherfane Rutherford, Matthew Forde, Fabian Allen

South Africa

South Africa were the finalists in the recent T20 World Cup. They had a brilliant campaign but came second in the summit clash against India.

In this squad named for the three-match series, several players who played in the last World Cup have been rested. A few others have been given a chance to make an impact on the country.

Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi.

Two uncapped players have been added in the form of Kwena Maphaka and Jason Smith. Interestingly, The Protead lost four out of the five matches against West Indies in T20I format recently.

South Africa Squad

Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton(w), Wiaan Mulder, Patrick Kruger, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman, Jason Smith, Bjorn Fortuin, Donovan Ferreira, Kwena Maphaka

WI vs SA Key Battles

Aiden Markram vs Shamar Joseph

The skipper in the absence of a few of his senior pacers will need to take the responsibility of doing much of the scoring. Standing in his way is Shamar Joseph who has had an impressive entry into international cricket.

Nicholas Pooran vs Nandre Burger

Pooran is severe against spinners in T20Is. However, South Africa has a few good pacers in their lineup and he will have to face Nandre Burger who can swing the ball up front and also bowl decent bouncers. Pooran has problems playing the short ball.

WI vs SA Key Players

For West Indies, skipper Rovman Powell and Nicholas Pooran are the key batters. With the ball, Joseph and Akeal Hosein will be key.

For South Africa, skipper Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs are key with the bat. With the ball, in the absence of the senior bowlers, Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger are key.

WI vs SA Weather And Pitch Report

Rain was a major threat in the Test series and it will continue to be the same way for the ODI series as well. There is a high chance of rain in the first T20I as well.

The match starts at 3 pm local time with a 55 percent chance of rain in the afternoon. The percentage drops to 25 in the evening.

Conclusion

In 23 matches between the two sides so far West Indies have won 12 games and South Africa 11. The contest has been very even in this format and we can expect a close series opener.

Also Read: WI vs SA Match Prediction- 1st T20I, South Africa Tour Of West Indies 2024