Match 47 of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday sees South Africa play their second Super 8s match against the West Indies.
The Proteas took care of business in the group stages. They first beat a plucky Canadian side by 57 runs. They then took down Afghanistan in the second of two super overs to pick up their second win of the World Cup.
South Africa continued to beat New Zealand by seven wickets before enjoying a leisurely run chase to win their final Group D game against the UAE.
Undefeated and with batsmen and bowlers in excellent form, the Proteas are looking like a serious contender for this trophy. This was underlined on Sunday, when South Africa beat India, the hosts and hot favorites to win this World Cup.
Here is a look ahead at the contest.
South Africa VS West Indies Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
South Africa VS West Indies Date: Thursday, February 26
South Africa VS West Indies Odds:
History
The winner of this match will qualify for the semi-finals, barring an unlikely string of results. That is because both South Africa and the West Indies took care of business in their opening Super 8s match, with each doing so ina style that immediately jacked up their NNR.
The West Indies had the easier time of it. They did as expected, against a Zimbabwe team that shocked Australia and Sri Lanka to win their opening group. After being put in to bat, the Windies scored a dominant 254 runs, the second-highest total in the history of the T20 World Cup. Shimron Hetmyer exploded to a 19-ball half-century on his way to top scoring with 85 from 34 deliveries.
South Africa was just as convincing against a much more dangerous opponent. I said in the preview to the Proteas match against India that I wasn’t sure India had been given any sort of test yet at this World Cup and that I wasn’t sure how they would react when that test came.
South Africa was that test. The Proteas inflicted India’s first defeat in a limited-overs competition since the 2023 ODI final, which they lost to Australia. David Miller was the star with the bat, scoring a quickfire 53 as the Proteas rolled to 187. Set 188 to win, the only resistance came from Shivam Dube, who scored 42 at No. 6. No other batter scored more than 18 as South Africa laid down a serious statement of intent.
South Africa
The familiarity with the wicket in Ahmedabad is a positive for South Africa. In this battle of two unbeaten, explosive, and powerful teams, the small edges could prove to be the difference.
West Indies
The West Indies have been focusing on building an innings rather than trying to go six for six with the aggressive Proteas batsmen. This lineup has depth and run-scoring all the way through, promising an exciting, high-scoring match.
Best Bets
South Africa might be the most balanced team in the World Cup. The bowling and batting have both been performing at a high level, and I expect the Proteas to win here and seal a semi-final spot.
