The celebrations from the SA20 final have barely settled, yet international cricket is already back in focus. In less than 48 hours after featuring in the title clash, seven players will switch gears and turn out for their national sides as South Africa and West Indies lock horns in a crucial T20I series. Originally planned as a five-match affair, the series has been shortened to three games to avoid clashing with the T20 World Cup preparation window – the ultimate target for both teams.
Both sides are still carrying memories from the last global tournament. South Africa came agonisingly close to lifting the trophy, only to fall short by seven runs against India in the final, while West Indies exited in the Super Eights after suffering defeat to the Proteas. With South Africa having recently tasted world glory in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) and West Indies eager to recapture the magic of their T20 World Cup triumph from a decade ago, the hunger to go one step further is stronger than ever.
While these matches are officially seen as preparation, the desire to win remains undiminished. South Africa’s recent form has been inconsistent, with injuries and player unavailability hampering their progress. West Indies, too, endured a difficult run last year but arrive this time without major selection excuses.
Both teams have named their full T20 World Cup squads, although South Africa will rest a few key players early and David Miller continues his recovery. Interestingly, these two sides seem to have developed a habit of meeting just before the World Cups – making this series not just a warm-up, but a key psychological battle ahead of the global stage.
SA vs WI 2026, T20I Series: Fixtures
- 1st T20I: January 27, Paarl – 6:00pm local time/ 9:30 IST/ 4:00 pm IST
- 2nd T20I: January 29, Centurion – 6:00pm local time/ 9:30 IST/ 4:00 pm IST
- 3rd T20I: January 31, Johannesburg – 6:00pm local time/ 9:30 IST/ 4:00 pm IST
Squads
South Africa: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (1st T20I), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram (c), Jason Smith, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Eathan Bosch (1st T20I), Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Quinton de Kock (2nd and 3rd T20I), Tristan Stubbs (2nd and 3rd T20I), Marco Jansen (2nd and 3rd T20I)
West Indies: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Star Sports, JioHotstar
- UK: SuperSport, SABC 2
- Pakistan: Tapmad
- USA and Canada:
- Australia: Fox Cricket
- New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
- West Indies:
- MENA countries: STARZPLAY
