Not long removed from their last T20I series, the West Indies and South Africa will lock horns in the format once more. James Richardson previews.
West Indies v South Africa – First T20
Friday 23 August 2024 – 21:30
Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad
Their last meetings were contested by under-strength teams with the West Indies winning the series comfortably against a South Africa team hit hard by injuries and IPL absences.
South Africa played their first-ever T20I at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy during the T20 World Cup beating Afghanistan by nine wickets on a pace-friendly track. West Indies have won three of their five T20Is at the Tarouba venue which is one of two international grounds on the island of Trinidad.
To Win Match
West Indies 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | South Africa 23/20
While the hosts are theoretically back to full strength they have opted to rest Andre Russell, Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph for the series.
Roston Chase was the star of a tricky T20I series the last time these sides met and managed to force his way ahead of Shimron Hetmyer in the pecking order.
Hetmyer has been retained for the series against South Africa but it remains to be seen if he will crack the first playing XI after not featuring at all during the West Indies T20 World Cup campaign.
They have ample spin options with Fabian Allen recalled alongside the likes of Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase who all featured at the World Cup.
Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has received a maiden Proteas call-up for this series with several bowlers out injured or rested.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins batter Jason Smith is also in line for an international debut and could be one to watch in this series after a promising domestic campaign in Durban. Smith has enjoyed an uptick in his batting in T20s since becoming a specialist.
Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller and Tabraiz Shamsi have all been left out of the squad with Caribbean Premier League commitments looming.
Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen are being rested with Lungi Ngidi set to lead the South Africa attack backed up by Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams, while Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger offer seam-bowling allrounder options.
Verdict: West Indies 72/100
A weakened South African team is unlikely to get the job done away from home.
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