South Africa Cricket Team vs West Indies National Cricket Team Match: South Africa will host the West Indies in the first of three T20 internationals at Boland Park on Tuesday, January 27. The series serves as key preparation for both sides ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The West Indies are looking to bounce back after losing 2-1 to Afghanistan in their previous series. Captain Shai Hope’s side aims to test bench strength and finalise combinations. South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, will look to use home conditions to their advantage and build momentum.
RSA vs WI 1st T20I Match Details
Match: South Africa vs West Indies, 1st T20I
Series: West Indies tour of South Africa, 2026
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM LOCAL, 4:00 PM GMT
Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
Weather Forecast and Pitch Report
Boland Park offers a balanced surface, with the new ball coming onto the bat well. Scores of 160-170 are considered competitive. The pitch tends to slow later, favouring spinners and cutters. The weather is expected to be sunny, with temperatures around 32°C during the day and dropping to 14°C at night. No rain is forecast.
Squads:
South Africa Squad: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ryan Rickelton(w), Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram(c), Jason Smith, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Eathan Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka
West Indies Squad: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph
Probable Playing XIs
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
West Indies: Brandon King, Johnson Charles (wk), Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie
Head-to-Head
South Africa and the West Indies have met 26 times in T20Is. The West Indies lead with 14 wins, while South Africa have 12 victories. In South Africa, the Windies have won five of nine matches. In recent encounters, West Indies have won four of the last five games, though South Africa claimed a crucial Super 8 win in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Telecast and live streaming
In India, the series will be televised on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website with a subscription.
