Can the Proteas build on their impressive Test win against the West Indies when the sides meet in the first of five T20 Internationals on Saturday?
The first of five T20 Internationals between the West Indies and South Africa is scheduled to take place on Saturday 26 June.
While the West Indies welcome back a clutch of experienced players the Proteas will have to lean heavily on their youngsters.
West Indies vs South Africa | 26 June 2021 | Grenada National Cricket Stadium, St George’s | 20:00
To Win Match
West Indies 72/100
Tie 25/1
South Africa 23/20
West Indies
The return of Chris Gayle and Andre Russell lend an imposing quality to this West Indies squad.
Remarkably this match will be just the third T20I between the West Indies and South Africa played in the Caribbean, with the Proteas having won both of the previous encounters.
The West Indies have won three of the last four matches against the Proteas in T20I cricket, but they haven’t met in the format since the 2016 World T20 in India.
With Evin Lewis, Gayle, Russell and Shimron Hetmyer in their squad, the West Indies have some serious firepower to call on.
South Africa
The Proteas have won just three of their last 15 T20Is and haven’t won a bilateral series in the format since March 2019.
Temba Bavuma is likely to return to skipper the team and take up the number three slot behind Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock, who come into this series in good form.
The Proteas bowling unit will have to play well to act as an equaliser between the two sides, with the hosts sporting the more explosive batting order.
Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada showed they could stop teams dead in their tracks in the IPL and could be the key men for the Proteas.
David Miller will want to perform his finisher role with aplomb to ward off any threats to his place in the team ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Verdict: West Indies 72/100
The hosts should have the edge.
