West Indies Vs South Africa, Match Preview
After South Africa dominated the Test series, they gear up for a closer contest against the West Indies. Both sides haven’t been at their best in the format. However, with the World T20 coming up, both could bring their A-game.
West Indies are currently 10th on the T20I rankings but still find themselves as title contenders for the World Cup. Their regulars are back, and the West Indies have an excellent chance to rise in the rankings. With T20 stars coming back and a busy schedule ahead, the West Indies have enough time to test their squad as they defend their title. They will be facing Australia and Pakistan later, but their minds would be on the South Africa series.
Despite the low ranking, the West Indies are seen as a danger ahead of the World Cup, a prospect that South Africa can only dream of. They are still looking for the right combination and have faced many troubles over the past two years. The West Indies series will be South Africa’s first with a full-strength side. They used a second-string side against Sri Lanka earlier, and the first string struggled against England.
West Indies Vs South Africa, Team News
For the West Indies, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, and Chris Gayle are in the squad. After finding success in the IPL, Chris Gayle is likely to continue at number three. If selected, West Indies will field their four-star players in the same eleven for the first time in six years. With Evin Lewis not in the best form, West Indies may try to slot in Shimron Hetmyer. Hetmyer has been in good condition through the IPL and PSL and could come in as an opener.
Temba Bavuma has recovered from his hip and finger injury and will be back to lead the side. He will be opening with Quinton De Kock, leaving no room for Janneman Malan. With Faf Du Plessis absent, Kyle Verreynne and Henrich Klaasen may get a few opportunities on the side. The bowling looks strong and has some incredible depth. The pace attack will consist of Rabada, Nortje, and Ngidi. Tabraiz Shamsi is the spin option, while Phehlukwayo is the pace all-rounder on the side.
West Indies Vs South Africa, Predicted XIs
West Indies (possible): 1 Lendl Simmons, 2 Shimron Hetmyer, 3 Chris Gayle, 4 Kieron Pollard (capt), 5 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6 Jason Holder, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Fabian Allen, 10 Kevin Sinclair, 11 Fidel Edwards
South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Temba Bavuma (capt), 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Heinrich Klaasen, 5 David Miller, 6 George Linde, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo/Sisanda Magala 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi
West Indies Vs South Africa, Players to Watch out for
Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma is one of South Africa’s least experienced T20I captains and may come as a surprise pick. His style of play makes him fall under the radar in short forms, as people usually see him as a Test Cricketer. However, he has shown his aggressive ability before and can make an impact as an opener. He has Quinton De Kock at the top, and the two could play a role in setting games up for South Africa. With two World Cups coming up, Temba Bavuma will hope to start his captaincy tenure well.
Kieron Pollard
The West Indies skipper has been in good form after receiving the leadership role. He was impressive in the IPL and recently cracked six sixes in an over against Sri Lanka. After years of success in various leagues, the big man has translated his skill into international Cricket. He has found his explosive touch and could play a significant role against South Africa’s fast bowlers.
West Indies Vs South Africa, Pitch Report
The Grenada stadium has only hosted one T20I, and over 400 runs were scored in that game. However, an ODI earlier has seen 800 runs across innings, indicating that the pitch is excellent for batting.
With a powerful batting line-up, the West Indies may prefer chasing, despite the bowling strength of South Africa. The pitch has loads of runs in it, but rainfall in the air may play a role.
