WI vs SA 1st T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Preview & Live Streaming

West Indies will take on South Africa in the first T20I in Trinidad (X.com)

West Indies and South Africa are set to clash in the first T20I of a three-match series on Saturday, August 24, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.

WI vs SA 1st T20I: Team Previews

West Indies

West Indies enter this series after a narrow 1-0 defeat in the two-match Test series against South Africa. The first Test ended in a stalemate, but the visitors managed to snatch victory in the second match, winning by 40 runs.

Despite the loss, West Indies can draw strength from their recent success in the T20 format. Earlier this year, they convincingly whitewashed South Africa in a three-match T20I series at home, right before the T20 World Cup 2024

The home team has a formidable lineup brimming with explosive talent. Captain Rovman Powell will lead a squad featuring the likes of Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, and Sherfane Rutherford—players capable of turning the game on its head with the bat.

Complementing their batting brilliance, the bowling attack is equally potent, with Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, and Gudakesh Motie ready to weave their magic on the field. With all this firepower, the West Indies will be eager to start the series on the front foot and make a statement with a win.

South Africa

On the other hand, South Africa will stride into this series with confidence drawn from their Test series win. They not only emerged victorious in the Tests but also dealt a significant blow to the West Indies during the T20 World Cup 2024, eliminating them from the tournament on their home turf.

The Proteas will be hungry to settle the score after their earlier whitewash, and they’ll be looking to hit the ground running.

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South Africa’s batting lineup is nothing short of formidable, featuring heavy hitters like skipper Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Donovan Ferreira, and Reeza Hendricks.

Their bowling department is equally well-stocked with talent, including Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, the young sensation Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, and Lizaad Williams. With a squad like this, South Africa will be keen to turn the tables and make a statement of their own by starting the series with a bang.

WI vs SA 1st T20I: Match Details And Streaming

WI vs SA 1st T20I: Brian Lara Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at Trinidad has a reputation for being on the slower side, which is expected to bring the spinners into play. Slower bowlers could hold the key to success in this encounter, as the surface is likely to make big hits hard to come by. Historically, the venue has favoured teams batting first, with an average first-innings score of 128. Out of the nine matches played here, teams batting first have won four, while teams chasing have won five. The captain who wins the toss might be tempted to bat first, hoping to capitalize on the fresh pitch before it begins to slow down.

WI vs SA 1st T20I: Probable Playing XIs

West Indies: Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell (c), Fabien Allen, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy, Shamar Joseph

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs (wk), Donovan Ferreira, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Bartman

WI vs SA 1st T20I: Winner Prediction

Considering the overall team composition and familiarity with the conditions, West Indies are the favourites to win the clash.

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