This week sees the West Indies in South Africa for a quickfire T20 series. The three matches are not only a standalone series but also serve as preparation for both teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, which begins on February 7.
South Africa is in Group D of the World Cup, first facing Canada on February 9, before also taking on New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the UAE.
Here is a look ahead at the contest as the Proteas hit their final preparation.
South Africa vs West Indies Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
South Africa vs West Indies Date: Tuesday, January 27
South Africa vs West Indies Odds:
History
The amount of white ball cricket being played early this year continues to amaze. Less than 48 hours after the conclusion of the SA20 final in Paarl, the wicket is to be used again, this time as the Proteas take on the West Indies.
This was originally set to be a five-match series, but with the World Cup so close and the Proteas T20 crew having just played for a month straight, it was shortened to three contests.
The T20 World Cup is huge for South Africa. This is a trophy they should have won at the last tournament, when they were in control against India in the final before letting it slip away. The West Indies reached the Super Eights but were knocked out at that stage by South Africa. Revenge here wouldn’t atone for the disappointment, but it would send the Caribbean squad into this World Cup on a high.
South Africa may have won the World Test Championship last year, but their form in T20s has been inconsistent at best. They failed to win a single series in 2025, losing 12 of the 18 games they played in the last calendar year.
Part of the reason for that has been a mixture of badly timed injuries and players prioritizing other formats. A return to winning ways heading to India and Sri Lanka would be huge.
South Africa
South Africa will be a tough light for game one of this series. David Miller continues his race against time to make the World Cup squad as he rehabs a groin injury. He will not feature in any of these three matches. The Proteas will also be without Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, and Marco Jansen, who are all rested.
West Indies
The Windies were also poor in 2025. The low point was a series defeat at the hands of Nepal, but losing six of eight series isn’t something this team is used to.
Best Bets
Look for the player pros here. One I like is Kagiso Rabada as the top bowler. Jansen’s absence immediately makes Rabada a possible choice, but with MI Cape Town failing to make the playoffs in the SA20 competition, he is the most rested arm out there. His SA20 was quiet, just nine wickets, so expect an uptick in form with the World Cup around the corner.
Dewald Brevis is 24/5 as the top ba on the back of his insane performance in a losing battle for the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 final. Brevis will likely bat at No. 4, with his 56-ball 101 still fresh in the memory.
