T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies' strongest predicted playing XI against South Africa

West Indies (WI) will take on South Africa (SA) in the 50^th match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Both teams will be eyeing a semi-final berth as they lock horns in the final Super 8 clash at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua on Monday, June 24.

West Indies suffered a massive eight-wicket loss to England in their first match but bounced back with a nine-wicket win over the United States (USA) to stay alive in the race. A win against South Africa will take them to the knockouts, thanks to their impressive net run rate (NRR) of +1.814. 

If Rovman Powell and Co. lose in their upcoming match, they will have to battle it out against England in terms of net run rate as the defending champions can also attain four points if they beat the USA in their final Super 8 match. Meanwhile, if South Africa loses, they will have to overcome England's NRR to qualify for the semi-finals. 

Here's the strongest predicted playing XI of West Indies vs SA for the T20 WC 2024 clash:

Openers: Johnson Charles, Shai Hope

Brandon King's injury looks like a blessing in disguise for West Indies as it has exposed an aggressive batter in Shai Hope. In King's absence, Hope opened the batting against the USA and scored an unbeaten 82 off just 39 balls to help his team chase down the target with ease.

Johnson Charles has yet to make any notable contributions but has upped his game with 96 runs at a decent strike rate in the last three matches.

Middle-order: Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell (C), Sherfane Rutherford

Nicholas Pooran is the all-time leading run-scorer of West Indies in the shorter format of the game. The pocket dynamo is once again leading the charge for his side, scoring 227 runs in six matches at an average of 45.40 and a strike rate of 148.37. Pooran's form will be crucial for the Windies in the upcoming crucial matches.

Rovman Powell did not live up to expectations in the ongoing tournament. Barring his crucial 17-ball 36 against England in the Super 8, the West Indies skipper has yet to play an impressive innings.

Sherfane Rutherford is the key strength in their middle order. The power-hitter has played a couple of impactful knocks, especially a match-winning 68* against New Zealand.

All-rounders: Roston Chase, Andre Russell

Roston Chase has not really done much with the bat except for a 27-ball 42* in the first match against Papua New Guinea. But he has been brilliant with the ball, especially in the last match against the USA, where he picked up three wickets at an economy of 4.80.

Andre Rusell is continuing to prove that he is a boon to any team in the 20-over format. The big man has scored 63 runs in five innings at a healthy strike rate of 165.79 and also claimed nine wickets, three of which came in the previous match against the USA.  

Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy

Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie will take care of the spin department. The two have been brilliant for the Windies so far, with Hosein more impressive with his wicket-taking ability. The left-arm spinner has taken nine wickets at an average of 10.78, including a five-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Motie has grabbed eight wickets so far. 

West Indies have strengthened their pace attack with the inclusion of Obed McCoy. Although the left-arm pacer failed to take any wickets in the last match, he is expected to have a good outing in the bowling-friendly conditions of Antigua.

Alzarri Joseph has been one of the best bowlers for the hosts as the tall pacer took 11 wickets so far at an average of 13.82. 

WI's Predicted XI for the game against SA:

Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy.