South Africa vs West Indies, 1st Test: Preview, Prediction And Fantasy Tips
South Africa and West Indies are set to lock horns in a highly anticipated Test series, commencing on Tuesday, February 28.
The high-octane clash will take place at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Both sides will look to start the series with a victory.
South Africa's last Test series saw them relinquish victory to Australia by a margin of 2-0, with a mere draw achieved in the third and final match held in Sydney.
Although the South African team managed to retrieve some dignity, the series had already been decided by their early defeats in the first and second matches by six wickets and an innings and 182 runs, respectively.
The Proteas are eager to embark on a new chapter in their Test history, under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma, who has replaced Dean Elgar.
The team has also made some challenging decisions regarding their squad selection for this series.
On the other hand, West Indies claimed victory in their previous Test series, securing a 1-0 triumph in Zimbabwe.
The first Test ended in a draw, despite Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul's stellar performance at the top of the order.
However, the Windies emerged victorious in the second Test held in Bulawayo, with a margin of an innings and four runs.
So, the visitors will aim to mirror their past success and emerge triumphant against the Proteas, who will be led by a new captain.
South Africa vs West Indies: Head to Head
West Indies and South Africa last crossed swords in a Test match during the year 2021. Despite this recent encounter, the Caribbean side has struggled to obtain a victory over the Proteas, with their last triumph dating back to 2007.
In 30 Tests contested between these two teams, the West Indies have managed to secure only three wins, while enduring 20 losses and seven draws. These sparse victories were spread out over three different years, namely 1992, 2001, and 2007.
It has been more than 15 years and 10 Test matches since West Indies have experienced the sweet taste of success against their opponents from Africa. This record accurately reflects the stark disparity between the teams' performances in their battles on the cricket field.
Match Details
Date & Time: February 28, 1:30 PM IST
Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion
Live Telecast & Streaming: Star Sports Network & Disney+Hotstar
Pitch Report: SuperSport Park in Centurion is anticipated to offer a bowling-friendly surface, favouring pacers. In the last five Tests played at the stadium, the average first innings score has been around 305, and the average total score has been approximately 257. However, as the surface generally becomes uneven with time, the toss-winner will likely bat first.
Predicted Playing XI
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Temba Bavuma(C), Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen(WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva(wk), Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Shannon Gabriel
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keepers: Heinrich Klaasen
Batters: Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram/Keegan Petersen, Kraigg Brathwaite, Tagenarine Chanderpaul
All-rounders: Jason Holder, Marco Jansen
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Alzarri Joseph, Keshav Maharaj
Captain: Kagiso Rabada
Vice Captain: Tagenarine Chanderpaul/Temba Bavuma
Prediction
Considering the team balance and head-to-head record, South Africa are the favourites to win the contest.
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