itstargetnews
South Africa easily won the second match of the 3-match T20I series against the West Indies. Riding on Quinton de Kock’s 115-run knock, the hosts defeated the visitors by 7 wickets, chasing a target of 222 runs. With this win, South Africa leads West Indies 2-0.
West Indies have named a strong squad ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The ongoing series against South Africa is the best way for them to test their squad ahead of the marquee event. The team selected by Cricket West Indies looks balanced on paper. In fact, the team had to do more work on multiple weak points. South Africa exposes former World Cup winning team.
West Indies’ 2026 tour of South Africa is considered a good contest ahead of the T20 World Cup. Both teams have a proven crop of players who can also cause havoc in the tournament. So far, West Indies have been a mere shadow of their peak days in the T20s.
Your daily dose of cricket!
South Africa vs West Indies – 3rd T20I:
Openers: Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock.
Cricket South Africa has expressed its confidence in the two experienced candidates. Quinton de Kock scored 115 runs off 49 balls to seal the win while chasing the January 29 total. Captain Markram couldn’t add much with his bat though. If the two batsmen find their good touch during the 2026 World Cup, they can wreak havoc.
Middle order: Ryan Rickton, Devalde Braves, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs.
The South African cricket team’s batting line-up is filled with explosive batsmen. Rickton enjoyed the Centurion running feat with Quinton in the middle. Rickton remained not out, scoring 77 to confirm their second consecutive win. This batting order is unlikely to change.
One of the variations using kast is that they can be used like he does in Ara to lior and a big, teol is!
The pitch at Centurion is not ideal for bowlers. Keshav Maharaj was the only good bowler in the match as he maintained an economy rate of 5.50. Nortje, with its luxurious pace, earned an economical rate of 19.67. Since the team is on a winning streak, the management can also keep the same players for the remaining games.
South Africa (Starting XI) – Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickton, Dewald Blevis, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Janssen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Notje and Quina Mafaka.
West Indies vs South Africa XI – 3rd T20I:
Openers: Brandon King and Shay Hope.
West Indies T20I captain Shai Hope was dismissed cheaply and Brandon King gave the team a good start. It’s safe to say that they can continue with the same opening pair in the next game as well.
Mid-order: Roston Chase, Shimron Heitmyer, Roffman Powell, Shervan Rutherford, Romario Shepard and Jason Holder.
West Indies’ midfield order is huge thanks to the presence of two all-rounders in Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder. In fact, the team hits hard and is filled with proven explosive hitters. The total of 221 against South Africa’s bowling powerhouse is a testament to their batting prowess.
Bowlers: Matthew Forde, Jayden Sears and Akair Hussain.
The most vulnerable part of the team. Apart from Hussain, the team lacks quality in the bowling department. If they retain the same bowlers in the lineup, the pacers will have to prove their quality ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
West Indies (Starting XI) – Brandon King, Shay Hope (c/WK), Roston Chase, Shimren Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfin Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Jayden Sears and Akair Hussain.
