South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I Prediction & Match Preview – Wanderers
Match summary
South Africa lead 2–0 after two big chases. Our preview of the 3rd T20I at the Wanderers covers the pitch, weather, expected scores and likely XIs.
Match details
| Match | South Africa vs West Indies, 3rd T20I |
|---|---|
| Series | West Indies tour of South Africa 2026 |
| Date | 31 Jan 2026 |
| Start time | 4:00 pm GMT / 6:00 pm local |
| Venue | The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | South Africa |
| Toss pick | South Africa |
Matches in this series
Match preview
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.
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.
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.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 170–190 | – |
| Second innings | 160–180 | – |
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
FAQ
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.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
South Africa
- Aiden Markramc
- Quinton de Kockwk
- Ryan Rickelton
- Dewald Brevis
- Jason Smith
- Tristan Stubbs
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Anrich Nortje
- Kwena Maphaka
West Indies
- Brandon King
- Shai Hopec, wk
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Rovman Powell
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Roston Chase
- Jason Holder
- Romario Shepherd
- Matthew Forde
- Akeal Hosein
- Jayden Seales
Head-to-head
Earlier meetings of South Africa and West Indies that we covered.