SA vs WI Match Prediction : 1st T20, West Indies tour of South Africa, 2026
SA vs WI Win Probability
100%
West Indies
South Africa To Win, 1.29
South Africa are traditionally strong at home and most of their players have been performing well in the recently completed SA20
The pitch in Paarl suits South Africaās spin and all-round bowling options
West Indiesā aggressive batting approach can backfire on tricky wickets
SA vs WI Betting Tips
South Africa total runs if batting first to be under 159.5 runs
Boland Park in Paarl is traditionally a slower surface where timing the ball and finding the boundary can be difficult, especially early on. The only T20I played at this venue saw South Africa post 146/6 in their 20 overs, underlining how challenging run-scoring can be here. With spinners expected to play a major role and West Indies likely to rely on variations rather than pace, backing South Africa to score under 159.5 runs if batting first offers solid value at these odds.
Total run outs to be over 0.5
South Africa pride themselves on being one of the best fielding sides in international cricket. On a surface where boundaries wonāt come easily, both teams will look to push hard for singles and twos. That increases the likelihood of miscommunication and run-outs. Given the emphasis on running between the wickets at Boland Park, backing over 0.5 run-outs looks like a smart betting option.
Team form (Last 5 matches)
South Africa
N/A
West Indies
N/A
Despite recent setbacks, South Africa will see this home series as the ideal opportunity to reset. The slower conditions at Boland Park bring their spinners and variation-heavy bowlers into play, while their experienced batting core is better equipped to grind out a result on a challenging surface. If the Proteas can apply early pressure with the ball, they have the tools to control the tempo and edge this contest.
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South Africa vs West IndiesHead-to-Head Record
West Indies won the previous T20I series between the two sides, but South Africa have historically been a tough side to beat at home. Conditions in Paarl could help narrow the recent head-to-head gap between the teams.
South Africa vs West Indies Live-streaming and Broadcast
In India, the South Africa vs Sri Lanka series will be broadcast on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on SonyLIV and FanCode. Viewers in South Africa can watch the matches live on SuperSport, while audiences in Sri Lanka can tune in via local TV broadcasters. The series will also be available in Pakistan and Bangladesh through regional sports channels, in the USA and Canada on Willow TV, and in the UK on Sky Sports.
You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.
SA vs WI Team Previews
South Africa
South Africa will be keen to put their disappointing series against India behind them and start fresh at home. While their bowling struggled on flat Indian surfaces, conditions in Paarl are far more forgiving and should allow bowlers to use cutters, slower balls, and spin more effectively.
Lungi Ngidiās control, along with Marco Jansenās bounce and variation, will be key in the powerplay and at the death.
With the bat, Quinton de Kock remains South Africaās biggest asset at the top of the order. Support from Dewald Brevis and David Miller will be crucial, particularly if early wickets fall. The middle order, led by Aiden Markram, will need to show patience and game awareness on a surface that doesnāt reward reckless stroke play.
Overall, this is a South African lineup well suited to scrapping for runs and defending totals at home.
South Africa Expected Playing 11
Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Aiden Markram (c), Jason Smith, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka
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West Indies
West Indies arrive with confidence following their recent performances, but their ultra-aggressive batting style could be tested in Paarl.
Players like Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, and Johnson Charles thrive on pace and bounce, but may find scoring freely more difficult on a slower surface offering turn and grip.
The bowling attack has been impressive in patches, particularly with Shamar Springer and Gudakesh Motie, but maintaining discipline over 20 overs will be crucial.
If West Indies allow South Africa to settle with the bat or fail to strike early, they could find themselves chasing the game on a surface that becomes harder to bat on under lights.
West Indies Expected Playing 11
Brandon King (c), Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Khary Pierre, Shamar Springer, Gudakesh Motie, Ramon Simmonds
SA vs WI Toss Prediction
Boland Park has hosted just one T20I, where the team winning the toss opted to bowl first. With this being a night match and some early movement expected, captains may once again prefer to field first and assess conditions before setting up a chase.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch at Boland Park is expected to assist seamers early, with lateral movement on offer during the powerplay. As the innings progresses, the surface should slow down, bringing spinners and cutters into play. A first-innings total of around 160ā165 could be competitive, while anything close to 180 would be considered a strong score.
Conditions are forecast to remain clear, with no threat of rain interrupting play.
SA vs WI: Who Will Win?
At home and on a surface that suits their bowling strengths, South Africa look well placed to turn recent form around. If they can keep the West Indiesā power hitters in check and force them into rebuilding phases, the Proteas should have the upper hand in this contest.
Bet on South Africa to win.
