The West Indies men’s cricket team is set to take on South Africa in the 47th match of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup campaign, starting February 26. Notably, this match will be held at 3:00 pm IST at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

West Indies and South Africa are both unbeaten in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Shai Hope-led WI side won 4 matches in the group stage before downing Zimbabwe in their Super 8s opener. South Africa also won each of their 4 group-stage games. They then beat India in the Super 8s.

What is the Context of the WI vs SA match?

This is a massive contest for the two sides. The winner will make it to the semis. The team that is defeated will have another bite at the cherry in their final Super 8s clash.

SA have played quite a few matches in Ahmedabad already and know the conditions well. West Indies are up for their maiden clash at this venue. So they will need to assess things well.

In terms of the head-to-head record, the two sides have met 29 times in T20Is. The Windies have won 15 matches compared to South Africa’s 14. At the T20 World Cup, WI’s H2H record against SA reads 1-4.

West Indies – Probable Playing XI

Brandon King: He has been dismal in the 2026 T20 WC. From 5 matches, he has scored 71 runs.

Shai Hope (C and wk): He is a classy batter and has 169 runs from 5 matches at 42.25.

Shimron Hetmyer: In 5 matches, he has 219 runs at 54.75. Hetmyer has hit two fifties in the ongoing event.

Rovman Powell: Across 4 innings, he has 106 runs at 16.50. He owns a strike rate of 149.29.

Sherfane Rutherford: He brings all-round attributes. Rutherford owns 157 runs off four innings with one fifty under his belt.

Romario Shepherd: In three matches, he has scored 28 runs and picked six scalps at 4.50. He started the T20 World Cup 2026 with a fifer.

Matthew Forde: In four matches, he has taken 6 scalps so far at 11.83. His best performance is 3/19.

Jason Holder: The pace all-rounder has picked 8 wickets from 5 matches at 16.87. With the bat, he has 55 runs from 3 innings.

Gudakesh Motie: He has picked 10 scalps from 5 matches at 13.10. He has picked a four-fer.

Akeal Hosein: He owns six wickets from 5 T20 World Cup 2026 matches at 23.50.

Shamar Joseph: In 5 matches, he has picked 7 scalps at 22.71.

Player to watch out for (Shimron Hetmyer): He is enjoying a good run of form with the bat, and this will be another chance for him to express himself.

South Africa – Probable Playing XI

Aiden Markram: The SA skipper owns 182 runs from 5 matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup at 45.50.

Quinton de Kock (wk): The veteran batter has 124 runs from 5 games in the ongoing tourney.

Ryan Rickelton: He will be a force in the number three slot. He has scored 152 runs from 5 matches so far.

Dewald Brevis: He brings aggression and shot-making with his game. He has 131 runs from 5 outings so far in this tournament.

Tristan Stubbs: A countable figure, Stubbs has scored 85 runs from 5 matches (4 innings) at 85 in the ongoing tournament.

David Miller: A veteran batter, Miller has a wealth of experience and class riding. He has 146 runs from 4 innings at 90.

Marco Jansen: The star bowling all-rounder brings substance and value. He has 11 scalps from 4 matches.

Corbin Bosch: The all-rounder has taken 7 wickets from 4 matches at 12.14.

Keshav Maharaj: He will lead the Proteas spin attack. He has picked up five wickets from 4 matches at 20.60.

Kagiso Rabada: The speedster hasn’t been impressive in the ongoing tourney. He owns just 2 scalps from 5 matches at 83.50.

Lungi Ngidi: The right-arm pacer has been SA’s best bowler. Ngidi can deliver a punch and take the game to WI.

Player to watch out for (Aiden Markram): The senior opener has been batting strongly of late. He can set the tone for his side and has de Kock to support him.

Top Batters for Dream11

In terms of the Dream11 team pick, among batters, the likes of Shai Hope, Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock can be wise picks alongside Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell.

Dewald Brevis can be a differential pick. He promises fireworks and a sound tempo.

Best All-Rounders to Boost Points

In terms of all-rounders, one can go with two sound options in the form of Jason Holder and Marco Jansen.

Bowlers to Watch in Dream11

In terms of bowling, Gudakesh Motie and Lungi Ngidi can be wise picks. Keshav Maharaj can be an option as well.

Captain and Vice-captain picks

Hetmyer can be an ideal captaincy option with Markram being the vice-captain pick.

One can mix it with Holder being picked as captain and Brevis as the vice-captain.

Pitch Report & Venue Conditions

The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batters will need to show patience early on, as scoring freely may not be easy at the start. However, once set, they can accelerate and post strong totals, especially in the latter half of the innings. For bowlers, wickets may come at a premium due to the flat nature of the surface and the large outfield, which often turns good shots into singles rather than boundaries. Bowlers will need to work hard for wickets and bowl nice varieties and in tight channels.

Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?

All things considered, South Africa will be the favourites, and one expects them to take the game to WI. Notably, as mentioned, WI haven’t played here in T20Is. So they won’t have an edge. Also, SA have played quite a few of their games here and know the situation well.

FAQs About WI vs SA Playing 11

Who are the key players in the WI vs SA clash?

Shimron Hetmyer is enjoying a good run of form with the bat, and this will be another chance for him to express himself. South Africa skipper Aiden Markram can be a lethal frontline batter for the side.

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