West Indies vs South Africa Preview, Predicted Playing XIs: West Indies and South Africa eye semifinal berth in key clash

West Indies vs South Africa (AP Photo)

The strong batting lineup of West Indies will face a tough test in the important Super 8 encounter against South Africa in the T20 World Cup on Thursday. Both teams are yet to lose a match and are eager to qualify for the semifinals. South Africa are on a high after a comprehensive 76-run victory over India in Ahmedabad, while West Indies thrashed Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Mumbai. There are likely to be some interesting contests on the field. Nicholas Pooran and Shamarh Brooks’s aggressive stroke play will be challenged by the fast bowling of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Rovman Powell will have to contend with the spin of Keshav Maharaj, while David Miller’s experience with spin and Jansen bowling to Brandon King might just prove to be the difference between the two teams.

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Playing in the afternoon means a different set of circumstances. Without dew, both teams will have equal conditions, and the slightly dry pitch may help spinners early on. The heat may also test the fitness of the players, and batsmen may have to work harder if the pitch becomes slower as the match progresses. Tactics and alertness will be required in this pressurized match.West Indies vs South Africa Predicted Playing XIs:West Indies: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickleton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje.West Indies vs South Africa Squads:

West Indies: Shai Hope (c), Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales.

South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickleton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, George Linde, Jason Smith.

Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and keyseries stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.

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