West Indies vs South Africa – 1st T20I– Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Updates

After a one-sided affair in the Tests, fans can expect some competitive cricket in the five match T20I series between West Indies and South Africa. Both teams had contrasting results in their previous T20I series. While West Indies picked up a hard-fought win over Sri Lanka, South Africa lost 3-1 to Pakistan at home. In fact, they have lost all their last five T20I series. However, they were without the services of their big guns, who left for India to play in the Indian Premier League. All of them will be back for this series thus South Africa can expect some results to go their way.

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Temba Bavuma, who missed the Tests due to injury is expected to back at the helm. Quinton de Kock has been in top form on this tour and stroked a hundred and a half-century in the two Tests. He’ll be key to South Africa’s chances in the series. In addition, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Henrich Klaasen and David Miller form a solid batting lineup. Andile Phehlukayo and George Linde should be the two all-rounders while Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi complete a very strong team. 

West Indies showed little resistance in the Tests but one can be sure they will come back hard at the South Africans. They have compiled the strongest possible squad and recalled veteran Chris Gayle. They also have Andre Fletcher, Evin Lewis, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Andre Russell at their disposal, all match-winners on their day. Obed McCoy, Fidel Edwards, Fabian Allen form a decent bowling lineup. The all-rounders will also have to chip in with a few overs. Overall, there is plenty of fire on both sides and both teams are capable to pip their opposition. It’s set up for a cracking encounter tonight.

Pitch Report

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The surface should be good for batting, it always has been. However, it offers some extra bounce that the bowlers can be benefitted from.

Match Details

Match – West Indies vs South Africa– 1st T20I

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Venue – National Cricket Stadium, St George’s Grenada

Time – 11:30 PM IST

Where to watch live – Fancode

Probable XI’s

 West Indies

Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons, Nicolas Pooran, Kieron Pollard ( C ), Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Fidel Edwards, Obed McCoy

South Africa

Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram/Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, George Linde/Bjorn Fortuin, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje/Lungi Ngidi