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West Indies tour of South Africa 2026

South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I Prediction & Match Preview – Wanderers

Our verdict

South Africa

South Africa have controlled the series with two comfortable chases, and the West Indies’ bowling has failed to hold them back in either game.

Toss pick: South Africa

The Wanderers Stadium

South Africa have dominated this series. In the first T20I at Boland Park in Paarl they chased 174 in just 17.5 overs. At SuperSport Park in Centurion they went one better, reaching a target of 222 with seven wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare, driven by a blistering century from Quinton de Kock.

The West Indies have not been far off with the bat in either game, but their bowling has let them down badly. If they want to avoid a clean sweep, they will need much sharper plans and far better execution with the ball on a ground where totals often climb.

With the Wanderers’ pace, bounce and quick outfield, a score close to 180 batting first would feel defendable, though no total is entirely safe. The loss of early wickets can slow a side down, but a strong powerplay often sets the tone.

Probable XIs

South Africa

  1. Aiden Markram (c)
  2. Quinton de Kock (wk)
  3. Ryan Rickelton
  4. Dewald Brevis
  5. Jason Smith
  6. Tristan Stubbs
  7. Marco Jansen
  8. Keshav Maharaj
  9. Kagiso Rabada
  10. Anrich Nortje
  11. Kwena Maphaka

West Indies

  1. Brandon King
  2. Shai Hope (c, wk)
  3. Shimron Hetmyer
  4. Rovman Powell
  5. Sherfane Rutherford
  6. Roston Chase
  7. Jason Holder
  8. Romario Shepherd
  9. Matthew Forde
  10. Akeal Hosein
  11. Jayden Seales

Pitch report

The Wanderers, nicknamed the Bullring, is known for pace, bounce and big scores. The thin air at altitude helps the ball carry, and a quick outfield means big hits travel easily. Seamers get steep bounce and movement early, but the surface flattens out later and rewards set batters. Batting first is often preferred, although chasing has also worked here.

Weather

Around 6:00 pm on 31 January it should be warm at roughly 26–28 °C, with partly cloudy skies and moderate humidity. There is a moderate risk of isolated showers or thunderstorms, so a short rain delay is possible.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the favourite in South Africa vs West Indies, 3rd T20I?

South Africa are our pick, having won the first two matches of the series comfortably.

What were the results of the first two T20Is?

South Africa chased 174 in 17.5 overs at Paarl, then chased 222 at Centurion with seven wickets and 15 balls to spare, thanks to a century from Quinton de Kock.

Is rain likely at the Wanderers?

Isolated showers or thunderstorms are possible in the evening, so there is a chance of a brief interruption.

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