West Indies and South Africa clash in a high-stakes Super Eights encounter as two unbeaten heavyweights battle for early semifinal confirmation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Match 47 in Ahmedabad promises fireworks, with form, power, and venue familiarity set to shape the outcome.
Match details
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM IST, 2:30 PM PST, 9:30 AM GMT
Team overviews
West Indies
West Indies have been sensational throughout the tournament, winning all five of their matches to date and asserting themselves as one of the most destructive sides in the competition. Their Super Eights victory over Zimbabwe stood out, as they produced a commanding all-round display that pushed their net run rate to an imposing +5.350. The Caribbean side have combined explosive batting with disciplined bowling, allowing them to dominate opponents across conditions. With momentum firmly on their side, West Indies know that another strong performance will place them firmly on course for a semifinal berth.
South Africa
South Africa have matched West Indies stride for stride, remaining unbeaten in the tournament and showcasing depth in both batting and bowling. Their campaign has been marked by consistency rather than reliance on isolated performances. A major advantage for the Proteas lies in their familiarity with the Ahmedabad surface, having already played four of their five matches at this venue. That experience gives them a strong understanding of conditions, lengths to bowl, and batting tempos required at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which could prove decisive in a closely fought contest.
Key players
West Indies will once again look to their middle order for impact, with Shimron Hetmyer emerging as a major match-winner. His ability to dominate spin and pace alike has shifted momentum rapidly in West Indies’ favor in recent matches. Support from experienced all-rounders has ensured balance, while the bowling unit has maintained pressure through consistent wicket-taking spells.
For South Africa, the pace attack remains central to their plans, with Marco Jansen standing out for his effectiveness at this venue. His height and ability to extract bounce have troubled batters repeatedly in Ahmedabad. The batting lineup also carries experience and flexibility, allowing South Africa to adapt whether setting a target or chasing one.
Head-to-head record
The rivalry between West Indies and South Africa in T20 internationals has been evenly contested. The two teams have met 29 times in the format, with West Indies holding a slight edge with 15 wins compared to South Africa’s 14. No match has ended in a tie or no result. Their first T20 encounter dates back to September 11, 2007, while their most recent meeting took place on January 31, 2026.
Pitch report
The Narendra Modi Stadium has hosted five matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 so far, all of which have produced high-scoring contests. The surface has generally favored batters, encouraging stroke play and boundary-hitting. While the pitch may offer a touch of grip early, it tends to improve as the match progresses, making chasing a viable option. With both teams packed with power hitters, another run-heavy game appears likely.
Probable match scenarios
If West Indies bat first, they will aim to exploit the true surface by posting an imposing total through aggressive powerplay batting and sustained pressure in the middle overs. South Africa, while chasing, will rely on their familiarity with the ground to pace the innings and target specific bowlers. If South Africa bat first, West Indies will look to strike early with the ball and prevent the Proteas from building momentum before unleashing their hitters in the chase.
Probable playing XIs
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast live on JioStar Network channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
In Pakistan, live coverage will be available on PTV Sports and A Sports, with streaming on official digital platforms.
In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch the match on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Go.
In Australia, the fixture will be streamed live on Prime Video.
Global audiences can follow the action through official ICC broadcast partners and regional platforms carrying the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Match prediction
With both teams unbeaten and in top form, this Super Eights clash promises fine margins. West Indies bring explosive momentum, while South Africa benefit from extensive experience at the venue. Given the conditions in Ahmedabad and recent trends, the team bowling first holds a slight advantage, making this a contest where execution under pressure will decide the winner.
