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West Indies and South Africa will kick off the T20I series with the first match at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. The match is scheduled to start at 12:30 AM IST on May 24, 2024. This series serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, starting on June 5, which the West Indies are co-hosting.
Match Details
- Date: 23rd May 2024
- Time: 12:30 AM (24th May) IST
- Venue: Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
Pitch Report
Sabina Park’s pitch has evolved from being a hard, batting-friendly surface to a slower one in recent years. This change favors spinners and pace bowlers with variations. The average innings score is expected to be around 155, indicating a challenging environment for batsmen, especially in the later stages of the match.
Weather Report
The weather forecast for Jamaica on Thursday indicates cloudy and rainy conditions with possible showers in the afternoon. The temperature is expected to hover around 29-31°C.
Team Previews
West Indies Team News & Playing XI
WI Team News
West Indies have rested several top players, including Nicholas Pooran, Alzarri Joseph, Rovman Powell, and Andre Russell, ahead of the T20 World Cup. Brandon King will captain the side in Powell’s absence.
WI Key Players
- Brandon King: The newly appointed captain has an impressive T20I record with 1150 runs in 47 matches at a strike rate of 131.43. He will be crucial in leading the batting charge.
- Kyle Mayers: A batting all-rounder, Mayers has scored 625 runs in 34 T20Is at a strike rate of 137.97 and has taken 14 wickets in ODIs.
- Romario Shepherd: A key bowling all-rounder, Shepherd has 37 wickets in 35 T20Is and has scored 317 runs at a strike rate of 148.13.
- Akeal Hosein: Leading the spin attack, Hosein’s performance on the slower pitch will be vital. He has 38 wickets in 47 T20Is and can contribute with the bat.
WI Team Form
West Indies have had a mixed recent form, having defeated England at home and India in the US in T20I series in 2023. However, they lost their last T20I series against Australia.
West Indies Predicted Playing XI
- Brandon King (c)
- Alick Athanaze
- Fabian Allen
- Kyle Mayers
- Roston Chase
- Jason Holder
- Johnson Charles
- Romario Shepherd
- Akeal Hosein
- Shamar Joseph
- Gudakesh Motie
South Africa Team News & Playing XI
SA Team News
South Africa has also rested key players like David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Kagiso Rabada. Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen are occupied with the IPL playoffs. Rassie van der Dussen will captain the side in Aiden Markram’s absence.
SA Key Players
- Reeza Hendricks: An experienced batter with 1702 runs in 56 T20Is at a strike rate of 130.92. Hendricks is expected to provide a strong start.
- Quinton de Kock: Likely playing his last ICC tournament, de Kock has 2277 runs in 80 T20Is at a strike rate of 137.33.
- Tabraiz Shamsi: The lead spinner, Shamsi will thrive on the turning pitch at Sabina Park. He has extensive experience in the West Indies from his CPL participation.
- Lungi Ngidi: The leading pacer for South Africa, Ngidi has taken 60 wickets in 40 T20Is at an average of 20.25.
SA Team Form
South Africa last played a T20I series against India in December-January, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Since then, their players have been active in various T20 leagues.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI
- Rassie van der Dussen (c)
- Reeza Hendricks
- Wiaan Mulder
- Andile Phehlukwayo
- Quinton de Kock
- Matthew Breetzke
- Gerald Coetzee
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Lungi Ngidi
- Anrich Nortje
- Tabraiz Shamsi
Match Prediction
The first T20I between West Indies and South Africa promises to be an exciting encounter. Despite West Indies resting several key players, their squad remains competitive. However, South Africa’s squad appears stronger with a well-balanced batting and bowling lineup. Considering the teams’ current forms and head-to-head records, we predict South Africa to win the first T20I.
Prediction: South Africa to beat West Indies
