South Africa vs West Indies 1st T20 Preview: Toss Time, Playing XI, Streaming Details

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 Team News and Match Outlook

Proteas Eye Momentum Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

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.

Batting Combination and Injury Updates

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

Bowling Strength Remains a Major Weapon

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 Team News and Match Outlook

Windies Seek Consistency After Mixed Results

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.

Batting Firepower and Leadership

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.

Bowling Attack Capable of Turning Matches

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.

South Africa vs West Indies 1st T20: Probable Playing XIs

South Africa Probable Playing XI

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

West Indies Probable Playing XI

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

South Africa vs West Indies Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Overall T20I Record

• 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.

South Africa vs West Indies T20 Series: Full Squads

South Africa Full Squad

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

West Indies Full Squad

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

South Africa vs West Indies 1st T20: Live Streaming and Telecast Details

Match Date

The South Africa and West Indies 1st T20 match will be played on Tuesday, January 27.

Venue

The match will take place at Boland Park, Paarl.

Toss Time

The toss for the first T20 match between South Africa and West Indies will take place at 9 PM IST.

Match Start Time

The first ball of the 1st T20 between South Africa and West Indies will be bowled at 9:30 PM IST.

Live Telecast in India

The live telecast details for the 1st T20 between South Africa and West Indies have not been announced yet.

Live Streaming in India

The live streaming details for the 1st T20 between South Africa and West Indies have not been announced yet.