The West Indies tour of South Africa 2026 gets underway with a high-stakes series opener at Boland Park in Paarl. This three-match T20I series serves as a vital dress rehearsal for both sides ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which kicks off in just two weeks. South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, is looking to bounce back from a recent series loss to India, while the West Indies aim to find their rhythm after a surprising defeat against Afghanistan. With the SA20 season having just concluded, players from both camps are battle-hardened and familiar with the local conditions.
SA vs WI, 1st T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 27 (Tuesday); 9:30 pm IST / 4:00 pm GMT / 6:00 pm LOCAL
- Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is):
Matches played: 26 | West Indies won: 14 | South Africa won: 12 | No result: 0
Boland Park, Paarl Pitch Report
Boland Park is traditionally a sporting wicket that offers a fair contest between bat and ball. Unlike some of the high-altitude tracks in the Highveld, Paarl provides a surface that tends to slow down as the game progresses, making spinners like Keshav Maharaj and Gudakesh Motie extremely influential in the middle overs. However, the new ball often comes onto the bat nicely under the lights, allowing openers to capitalize on the Powerplay. Historical data suggests that chasing is the preferred strategy here, as the temperature drops and the pitch becomes more consistent. The captain winning the toss will likely elect to bowl first.
South Africa vs West Indies: Team dynamics and key players
South Africa: The Proteas welcome back the experienced Kagiso Rabada after a rib injury, headline a formidable pace battery. Dewald Brevis, the breakout star of the SA20, is expected to bring his explosive form to the national side. While the hosts will miss the services of David Miller (injury) and Tristan Stubbs (rested for this game), the batting depth remains strong with Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock. The inclusion of Kwena Maphaka adds a fresh, left-arm variety to their attack.
West Indies: The Caribbean side arrives with a squad built for power. Shai Hope leads the team and has been in prolific form on South African soil during the domestic T20 league. The visitors boast incredible all-round depth with Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd, both capable of turning the game with either skill. Their success will depend on how their aggressive batters, Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford, handle the bounce of the South African tracks. Gudakesh Motie will be the key defensive weapon on a Paarl surface that rewards flight and turn.
Also READ: West Indies announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026, no place for Evin Lewis
Squads:
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald 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 Seales, Romario Shepherd
SA vs WI, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- South Africa wins the toss and bowls first
- West Indies powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
- West Indies total score: 165-180
Case 2:
- West Indies wins the toss and bowls first
- South Africa powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
- South Africa total score: 175-190
Match result: South Africa to win the contest.
Also READ: New Zealand pacer Adam Milne ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026, replacement announced