South Africa claimed the second of the 3-match T20I series against the West Indies with ease. Riding high on Quinton de Kock’s 115-run knock, the hosts defeated the visitors by 7 wickets, chasing a target of 222. With the win, South Africa took a 2-0 lead over the West Indies.
West Indies named a power-packed squad ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The ongoing series with South Africa is the best possible way for them to test the squad ahead of the marquee event. The squad Cricket West Indies selected is looking well-balanced on paper. In reality, the team has to work a lot more on multiple vulnerable points. South Africa exposed the former World Cup-winning team.
The West Indies’ tour of South Africa in 2026 has been considered a good contest ahead of the T20 World Cup. Both of the teams have a set of proven players and can cause mayhem in the tournament as well. So far, the way the West Indies have been performing is only a shadow of their prime days in T20s.
South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies – 3rd T20I:
Openers: Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock.
The South Africa cricket team has shown their trust in the two experienced candidates for the opening slots. Quinton de Kock played a 115-run knock off 49 balls in a winning effort while chasing the massive total on January 29. Though Captain Markram could not add too much with his bat. If both of the batters find their fine touch during the 2026 World Cup, then the pair can wreak havoc.
Middle-Order: Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs.
The batting lineup of the South Africa cricket team is full of explosive batters. Rickelton joined Quinton in the middle to enjoy the run feats in Centurion. Rickelton remained not out for 77 to confirm their second straight win. It is unlikely to see changes in this batting order.
Bowlers: Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Kwena Maphaka.
The pitch in Centurion is not an ideal one for the bowlers. Keshav Maharaj was the only exceptional bowler of this match, who maintained an economy rate of 5.50. Nortje, with his luxury pace, went for an economy rate of 19.67. As the team is on a winning way, the management can keep the same set of players for the remaining fixtures as well.
South Africa (Playing XI)—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.
West Indies playing XI vs South Africa—3rd T20I:
Openers: Brandon King and Shai Hope.
Shai Hope, the skipper of the West Indies T20I team, was dismissed cheaply, while Brandon King provided the team with a solid start. It’ll be safe to say that they can carry on with the same opening pair for the next match as well.
Middle-order: Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, and Jason Holder.
Because of two all-rounders, Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder, the middle order of the West Indies is huge. Actually, the side is batting heavy, loaded with proven explosive batters. The total of 221 against a strong South African bowling unit is proof of their batting strength.
Bowlers: Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, and Akeal Hosein.
The most vulnerable part of the team. Apart from Hosein, the team is lacking quality in the bowling department. If they keep the same bowlers in the lineup, then the pacers will have to prove their capabilities ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
West Indies (Playing XI)—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.
