WI vs SA | 4th T20I: With series on the line, levelling it is now a matter of prestige for defending World champions

In the last two games, something seemed to hit West Indies, as they were not able to replicate their performance of the first game with the bat. Now, having lost the second game by nine runs and the third one by just a solitary run, the onus is now on the World T20 Champions to come out in the fourth match, not only to save the series but also to showcase who is the boss. 

For the Proteas, Temba Bavuma has been an inspirational leader. While his performances with the bat might not have been great, but they were certainly important. What has been more than phenomenal is bowling changes and the use of Anrich Nortje, the prime bowler. 

The Proteas batting has been more than good enough and the inclusion of Aiden Markram in the last game was a great move as well. Quinton de Kock has been in good touch and the bowlers have performed exceedingly well, especially the left-arm chinaman, Tabraiz Shamsi. The 31-year-old has not conceded a four till now in the series. Nortje might just have three scalps, but he is very economically and was primality the reason for the team’s win in the second match where he gave away just four runs in the 19th over.  

West Indies’ bowling has been reasonably good as well. It is the batting where they are lacking, especially because of the failure of the three big guns in Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell and Chris Gayle. Though Gayle was dropped in the last game, as a big match player, he should be brought into the squad for this game. 

Although Fabian Allen has been terrific down the order, the silence of Dwayne Bravo with the bat is concerning as well. With all these issues on their mind, the team need to still come out and win the game. Will they be able to do it, o5nly time can tell. 

West Indies vs South Africa: Match Details

Match Number- 04

Date and Time: July 01, 2021, 11:30 pm IST, 06:00 pm GMT, 02:00 pm Local

Venue: National Cricket Stadium, St George's, Grenada

Live Stream: Fancode

Pitch Report

The pitch as per the three ODIs seems to be a wicket that slows down eventually with the ball sticking in the wicket bit, especially if the pace is slow and the ball is allowed to grip. The batters have their say too, but only if they settle down. This has been shown repetitively by de Kock and in the first game by Evin Lewis as well. 

Weather Forecast and Toss

With chances of rain hovering around 47-51% during the game and cloud cover near about 70%, rain not hitting the match would be the real surprise rather than otherwise. The humidly is also going to be very high. So winning the toss and deciding to bowl first is going to be the choicest decision without any doubt. 

Team News

West Indies

There has been no announcement of the change in the squad so far. So assuming that the same squad would be available for selection, it is highly improbable to see any changes in the XI that played the last game. Although Gayle should be included in5 it just because of his big-match temperament. Fidel Edwards would have to wait for another series to get his chance.

Probable XI

Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard (c), Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Obed McCoy, Kevin Sinclair

South Africa

The Proteas already made a change in the form of getting Markram in place of Heinrich Klaasen. Moreover, there seems to be no reason for them to disturb their winning combination. 

Probable XI

Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi

Dream XI / Fantasy XI

Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Quinton de Kock (wk) (c), David Miller, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell (vc), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi