After losing the Test series, West Indies will host South Africa in a three-match T20I series, all set to take place in Trinidad. The first T20I is scheduled for August 24, starting at 12:30 AM IST.
West Indies have struggled in recent T20 tournaments, failing to progress beyond the first round in the 2022 T20 World Cup and missing out on the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite these setbacks, T20 cricket remains their preferred format. For this series, they’ve rested experienced all-rounders Andre Russell and Jason Holder for workload management, but still, field a strong squad capable of challenging South Africa.
Predicted West Indies XI for the 1st T20I:
Johnson Charles: The hard-hitting opener known for his aggressive style and a T20I century to his name.
Shai Hope: Technically sound, Hope has excelled in ODIs and Tests, but is still finding his form in T20Is.
Roston Chase: An all-rounder who adds balance with his ability to contribute both with the bat and ball.
Nicholas Pooran: The team’s leading T20I run-scorer among current players, previously captained the T20I side.
Shimron Hetmyer: Returning after missing the T20 World Cup, Hetmyer has 57 T20I matches under his belt and is nearing 1,000 runs.
Rovman Powell: A finisher who recently captained the team in the T20 World Cup, known for his powerful hitting.
Fabian Allen: An all-rounder back in the squad after missing the T20 World Cup, also provides a spin option.
Akeal Hosein: The specialist spinner, though he underperformed in the last T20 World Cup, remains crucial.
Alzarri Joseph: A fast bowler who made his T20I debut against South Africa earlier this year, with three wickets in three matches.
Obed McCoy: A left-arm pacer known for his variations, primarily used in the death overs in both national and franchise cricket.
Gudakesh Motie: The fourth spinner and third left-arm option in the lineup, with 21 wickets in 15 T20 matches.