South Africa and West Indies are set to kick off their three-match T20I series at Boland Park, Paarl, on Tuesday, January 27, as both sides fine-tune their combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7.
The series was originally scheduled to feature four matches, but it was later reduced to three T20Is to better manage player workloads during a packed international calendar.
South Africa enter the opening T20I with a strong mix of experience and in-form players, led by captain Aiden Markram. The team will look to convert recent SA20 performances into international success as preparations intensify for the upcoming global tournament.
The Proteas have faced some batting concerns due to injuries and player availability:
David Miller is doubtful for the series because of a fitness issue
Rubin Hermann could get an opportunity to impress
Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have been added to strengthen middle-order depth
South Africa’s bowling unit looks formidable at home:
Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje provide express pace
Keshav Maharaj offers control through spin in the middle overs
The attack is well-suited to exploit local conditions at Paarl.
West Indies arrive in South Africa aiming to build momentum following mixed recent T20 results, including a 2–1 series loss to Afghanistan. However, the Caribbean side ended that series on a positive note with a thrilling win featuring a hat-trick from Shamar Springer.
Captain Brandon King will be crucial at the top of the order, alongside explosive batters such as:
Evin Lewis
Shimron Hetmyer
Their ability to counter South Africa’s pace attack could define the contest.
The West Indies bowling unit offers variety and strike potential:
Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph lead the pace attack
Shamar Springer’s recent form adds further threat
The Windies are capable of producing breakthroughs in key phases of the game.
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj
Shai Hope (C and WK), Johnson Charles (WK), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell
Total matches: 26
South Africa won: 12
West Indies won: 14
No result: 0
West Indies hold a narrow edge in the head-to-head tally.
Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock, Rubin Hermann, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada
Shai Hope (C and WK), Johnson Charles (WK), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, Shamar Springer
The South Africa and West Indies 1st T20 match will be played on Tuesday, January 27.
The match will take place at Boland Park, Paarl.
The toss for the first T20 match between South Africa and West Indies will take place at 9 PM IST.
The first ball of the 1st T20 between South Africa and West Indies will be bowled at 9:30 PM IST.
The live telecast details for the 1st T20 between South Africa and West Indies have not been announced yet.
The live streaming details for the 1st T20 between South Africa and West Indies have not been announced yet.