South Africa begin a new three-match T20I series against West Indies as both teams look to sharpen their combinations ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The opening match at Paarl sets the tone for the series, with South Africa starting as favourites at home but facing a West Indies side packed with power and experience.
Match Details
South Africa vs West Indies, 1st T20I
West Indies tour of South Africa 2026
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
Start Time: 9:30 pm IST, 9:00 pm PST, 4:00 pm GMT
Series Context and Overview
The T20I series comes at an important phase for both teams as they continue preparations for global tournaments. South Africa recently faced India in a five-match T20I series at home and suffered a 1-3 defeat, with one match abandoned due to rain. Despite the loss, the Proteas showed flashes of quality, particularly with the bat at the top and pace bowling in short bursts.
West Indies, on the other hand, arrive after a 1-2 defeat against Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series played in Dubai earlier this month. That series saw the Caribbean side miss several first-choice players due to SA20 commitments, and the current tour marks the return of key names who strengthen both batting depth and leadership.
South Africa Team Overview
South Africa will rely heavily on their core group as they aim to dominate conditions at home. Captain Aiden Markram remains central to the side’s balance, providing calm leadership and stability in the top order. Quinton de Kock’s return to international T20 cricket has been a major boost, as the wicketkeeper-batter arrives in excellent form after a productive series against India and a strong SA20 campaign.
Young batters like Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis add explosiveness in the middle overs, while the presence of all-rounders such as Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch strengthens the lower order. South Africa’s bowling attack looks formidable, with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje offering pace and aggression, complemented by Keshav Maharaj’s control on slightly slower surfaces.
West Indies Team Overview
West Indies enter the series with a more settled squad compared to their previous outing. Shai Hope returns as captain and wicketkeeper, bringing composure at the top of the order. He will be supported by aggressive openers Johnson Charles and Brandon King, while the middle order features proven power-hitters in Sherfane Rutherford and Rovman Powell.
The all-round department remains a major strength for the visitors. Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, and Roston Chase provide flexibility with both bat and ball, while the spin duo of Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie is expected to play a key role, especially if the pitch slows down. Shamar Springer adds pace options and energy in the field.
Pitch Report: Boland Park, Paarl
Boland Park has produced competitive T20 surfaces in recent months. During the SA20 2025-26 season, five matches were played at the venue, with an average first-innings score of around 172. Teams batting first won four of those five games, indicating the value of setting a total. The pitch tends to slow slightly in the second innings, bringing spinners and cutters into play. Despite that, captains in T20 cricket often prefer chasing, and that trend could influence the toss decision once again.
Head-to-Head T20I Record
South Africa and West Indies share a closely contested rivalry in the shortest format.
Matches played: 26
South Africa wins: 12
West Indies wins: 14
Tied or no result: 0
West Indies hold a narrow edge overall, adding extra intrigue to the opening match of the series.
Probable Playing XIs
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.
West Indies: Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Springer.
Broadcast and Live Streaming Information
The first T20I will be broadcast live on JioStar Network channels on television. Digital streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website for viewers in India. In Pakistan, fans can watch through official regional sports broadcasters and licensed digital platforms. Viewers in the United Kingdom can follow the match via authorized cricket broadcast partners, while Australian audiences can tune in through international sports channels and streaming services carrying bilateral cricket. Global viewers can access the match through official broadcasters and approved streaming platforms in their respective regions.
Match Prediction
Considering recent trends at Boland Park and the balance of both squads, the team batting second appears to have a slight advantage. Chasing allows batters to better judge the pace of the surface, especially as conditions settle under lights. South Africa’s pace attack gives them an edge if they defend a total, but West Indies’ deep batting lineup makes them dangerous in a chase. The match is likely to be decided by how well the chasing side manages the middle overs against spin and change-of-pace bowling.
