The South Africa and West Indies kick off their three-match T20I series on Tuesday, January 27, with the opener set to be played at Boland Park.
With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, both sides will be keen to test combinations and build momentum. South Africa enter as strong favourites at home, while West Indies view this series as a crucial tune-up following the conclusion of the SA20.
Below is The Betting Professionals’ (TBP) expert analysis, including match preview, team news, head-to-head record, pitch report, betting odds, and prediction.
SA vs WI – Match Details (1st T20I, 2026)
Match | South Africa vs West Indies |
Match No. | 1st T20I |
Format | T20I |
Date | 27 January 2026 |
Time | 6:00 PM Local / 9:30 PM IST |
Venue | Boland Park, Paarl |
Series | West Indies tour of South Africa 2026 |
Match Preview: South Africa vs West Indies – 1st T20I
The series begins immediately after the SA20, making player fitness and adaptability key factors. South Africa will rely on home conditions and squad depth, while West Indies look to rediscover rhythm and confidence in the shortest format.
South Africa (SA) Preview
South Africa head into the series with a few injury concerns, including David Miller and Lungi Ngidi, while Donovan Ferreira is unavailable due to World Cup commitments. As a result, past forms offer limited insight into their current balance.
However, the Proteas still boast plenty of quality:
Key batters: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock
Bowling standouts: Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj
With a strong pace attack and experienced leadership, South Africa will be confident of making a winning start.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI
Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
West Indies (WI) Preview
For West Indies, this series comes just two days after the SA20, leaving little recovery time. Nevertheless, the Caribbean side will treat these matches as vital preparation ahead of the World Cup.
Top batter: Shai Hope
Other key contributors: Rovman Powell
Bowling leaders: Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein
West Indies have historically enjoyed success against South Africa in T20Is and will hope to carry that confidence into Paarl.
West Indies Predicted Playing XI
Shai Hope (C & WK), Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Springer
South Africa vs West Indies Head-to-Head (T20Is)
Matches Played: 26
West Indies Wins: 14
South Africa Wins: 12
📊 Slight historical edge: West Indies
Pitch Report – Boland Park, Paarl
Boland Park produced competitive contests during SA20 2025–26.
Matches played: 5
Average first-innings score: ~172
Matches won batting first: 4 of 5
Surface slows slightly in the second innings
📌 Despite stats favouring batting first, captains may still prefer to chase in T20Is
South Africa vs West Indies Betting Odds – 1st T20I
According to the latest 1xBet odds:
South Africa to Win: 1.31
West Indies to Win: 3.58
📈 Clear favourites: South Africa
South Africa vs West Indies Win Probability
As per Google’s prediction model:
South Africa: 75% chance of winning
West Indies: 25% chance of winning
📊 Strong home advantage for South Africa
SA vs WI Match Prediction – TBP Expert Verdict
South Africa’s home conditions, stronger bowling attack, and squad depth give them a significant edge in the series opener. While West Indies possess match-winners capable of causing an upset, their tight turnaround after the SA20 could work against them.
✅ TBP Match Prediction: South Africa to Win the 1st T20I
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