South Africa will host the West Indies in a three-match T20I series, with the first match set to take place at Boland Park, Paarl, on Tuesday, January 27. The upcoming series will be crucial for both teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 11.
The West Indies arrive in South Africa after suffering a 2-1 series defeat against Afghanistan. However, they have a strong recent record against the Proteas in this format. South Africa, playing at home, will look to use local conditions to secure a win.
This article provides a detailed match prediction for the SA vs WI 1st T20I, analysing head-to-head records, key player battles, and winning probabilities.
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SA vs WI Match Prediction: Who Will Win 1st T20I?
Match Details:
Match: South Africa vs West Indies, 1st T20I
Date: January 27, 2026
Time: 9:30 PM IST (6:00 PM Local Time)
Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
Live Streaming: SonyLIV
Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
SA vs WI Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record
South Africa and the West Indies have played each other 26 times in T20Is. The West Indies have won 14 matches, while South Africa have secured victory in 12 games.
On South African soil, the West Indies have won 5 out of 9 encounters. The Caribbean side has also won four of the last five T20Is against the Proteas.
Pitch Report & Conditions
The pitch at Boland Park is generally known to be a sporting wicket. The new ball tends to come onto the bat nicely, allowing openers to play their shots freely in the powerplay.
However, the surface often slows down as the match progresses, bringing spinners and cutters into play. A score of around 160-170 is considered par and competitive at this venue.
SA vs WI Weather Report
Weather conditions in Paarl are expected to remain favourable on match day. Skies should be clear and warm, with daytime temperatures reaching around 31°C. No rain is forecast, ensuring a full 40-over contest without interruptions.
SA vs WI Match Prediction, Probable XIs
South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith/Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi.
West Indies Playing XI: Brandon King, Johnson Charles (wk), Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
Toss Impact
The toss could play a key role at Boland Park. If dew comes in under the lights, the ball is likely to skid onto the bat better in the second innings. The captain winning the toss may choose to bowl first.
Form And Fitness
South Africa will enter the series with a full-strength squad, boosted by the return of Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje. The players have been active in the SA20 league, which should help them stay match-ready.
The West Indies are looking to bounce back after a series loss to Afghanistan. However, the consistency of their middle-order batters against spin remains a concern.
Score Prediction
A first-innings total between 160 and 175 should be competitive. The pitch is expected to offer runs early, but scoring may slow during the middle overs.
SA vs WI: Players To Perform Prediction
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs
West Indies: Shai Hope, Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph
SA vs WI: Best Batter Prediction
South Africa: Quinton de Kock or Aiden Markram
West Indies: Brandon King or Shai Hope
SA vs WI: Best Bowler Prediction
South Africa: Kagiso Rabada or Marco Jansen
West Indies: Gudakesh Motie or Alzarri Joseph
Conclusion: Who Will Win The SA vs WI 1st T20I?
South Africa will start the match as favourites. Although the West Indies have enjoyed better recent head-to-head results, the Proteas have home advantage, a full-strength squad, and a bowling attack better suited to local conditions.
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