South Africa and the West Indies (SA vs WI) will play the third match of the ongoing series on January 31. South Africa, the home team, is currently leading the 3-match T20I series by 2-0, with one more match to play.
Cricket West Indies has selected a very exciting group of players for this series and for the T20 World Cup 2026. The players need to show their true potential on the ground, which they have failed to show against South Africa so far.
This article will cover the SA vs NZ 3rd T20I match prediction, toss insights, expected scores, key batter and bowler picks, and analysis on which team is likely to win the clash during West Indies’ tour of South Africa 2026.
SA vs NZ Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 3rd T20I?
Match Details:
Match: SA vs NZ 3rd T20I
Series: West Indies tour of South Africa 2026
Date: January 31
Time: 9.30 PM LOCAL
Venue: Wanderers Stadium, Sandton
SA vs WI Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record:
According to the head-to-head stats, West Indies and South Africa have the same number of wins over each other in T20 Internationals. After playing 28 matches, both of the teams have 14 wins each against each other; no ties or matches with no results exist. In recent times, South Africa showed their dominance over the winds.
Pitch Report & Conditions:
The pitch at the Wanderers Stadium is expected to be a batting paradise. Like the previous match of the ongoing contest, in the third match too, a high-scoring match is possible. Spinners can help their respective teams to slow down the opposition team’s run rate. Fast bowlers can try pace variations to help their team.
SA va WI Weather Report:
On January 31, overcast conditions are possible over Sandton. Chances of rain can be increased as the day progresses. During the match time, chances of rain can be the highest during the evening and nighttime.
SA vs WI Match Prediction, Probable XIs:
SA: Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Kwena Maphaka.
NZ: Brandon King, Shai Hope (C/WK), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, and Akeal Hosein.
SA vs WI Toss Impact:
The toss is going to be very vital, mostly because of the weather conditions. The team batting first will try to put as many runs as possible on the scoreboard so that they can maintain a healthy lead if the DLS method is put into effect.
Form and Fitness:
West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph is recovering from injury. He is unlikely to play the match.
Score Prediction:
It can be another high-scoring encounter, as the venue is known for its batting-friendly nature. 283 is the highest score ever recorded on this ground in T20Is, scored by India. In 2015, the West Indies registered 236/6, which is the third-highest total at the Wanderers Stadium. A total of over 200 in the SA vs NZ 3rd T20I is not impossible.
SA vs ENG: Players to Perform Prediction
South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada,
Sri Lanka: Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosain, Sherfane Rutherford.
SA vs WI: Best Batter Prediction
South Africa: Aiden Markram or Quinton de Kock.
West Indies: Shai Hope or Shimron Hetmyer
SA vs WI: Best Bowler Prediction
South Africa: Keshav Maharaj or Kagiso Rabada.
West Indies: Akeal Hosain or Jason Holder.
Conclusion: Who Will Win? The SA vs WI 3rd T20I?
Because of the poor bowling performance and silly mistakes in the fielding of the West Indies, South Africa will be the clear favourite to win the match. It will be interesting to see how the West Indies batters perform. The batter’s performance can decide the match.
Read More: South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies Playing XI – 3rd T20I, West Indies tour of South Africa 2026
