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.
Thursday’s match is the second in the series, and a win for the Proteas would clinch the series after their dominant first match at Boland Park in Paarl. If the Windies can get a result here, then the series will be decided in the third T20I in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Here is a look ahead at the contest.
South Africa vs West Indies Venue: Centurion Park, Centurion
South Africa vs West Indies Date: Thursday, January 29
South Africa vs West Indies Odds:
History
If this is how the Proteas are going to attack the 2026 World Cup, then the rest of the countries are officially on notice.
South Africa cruised to a nine-wicket victory on Tuesday, despite missing a number of frontline stars who were rested following the conclusion of the SA20 competition.
George Linde was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance, which saw him take 3 for 25 from his four overs. It was part of a South African bowling display that held the Windies to 173 from their 20 overs.
That seemed like a respectable, but catchable total, and so it was proved as South Africa’s top order completely controlled the Proteas innings. Lhuan=dre Pretorious was the only wicket to fall, when he was caught for 44. Captain Aiden Markram was the star with the bat, hitting 12 boundaries in his unbeaten knock of 86. Ryan Rickelton came in to help close out the innings, with a comfortable 40 off of 32 balls in an outstanding display of situational cricket.
South Africa
It was a vintage display from Markram that led the Proteas to their first win over the Windies in eight T20s, excluding World Cup matches.
It meant that the South African middle order, a group of explosive bats that will be a huge strength for the Proteas in the World Cup, weren’t even called upon as the opening trio went to work.
West Indies
There were bright spots for the Windies in this defeat. A sixth-wicket stand between Shimton Heymyer and Rovman Powell of 74 pushed their total to one that could be defended. The problem was that no other partnerships were able to get into the half-century range, with South Africa always seeming to find a wicket when one was most needed.
Best Bets
It was a day for the spinners on Tuesday. Linde and Keshav Maharaj were the key bowlers, with the two left-arm spinners combining to take five wickets between them.
I like Rickelton to have another big innings on Thursday. He is adjusting well to his role as the No. 3 batter, a position that suits his style with the bat. He is 43/10 to be the top bat behind a returning Quinton de Kock (15/4) and Tuesday’s top scorer Markram (41/10).
The West Indies are a solid team, but South Africa has too many options with the ball and bat to expect an upset at Centurion Park.
