WI vs SA 2024 Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 1st T20I match between West Indies and South Africa?

West Indies are slated to play three T20I matches against South Africa before the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting from May 24. The series will comprise of six matches, however, three matches are scheduled to take place in the final week of August after the World Cup. They will miss the services of captain Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, and Andre Russell, who are currently in India, while Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope have been given rest.

Brandon King will be leading the side in Powell’s absence and he is likely to open along with Johnson Charles. Meanwhile, the series holds immense importance for Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph, as they failed to make a mark in IPL 2024. Their form against the Proteas will be vital for West Indies with the T20 World Cup just around the corner. There will be focus on Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein as well.

When it comes to South Africa, they will miss the services of Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen due to the IPL. Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock is back in the side for the first time since the ODI World Cup and is expected to open alongside Reeza Hendricks. Kagiso Rabada will be missing the series due to injury but is expected to be fit by the time the mega-tournament begins.

Match Details 

Sabina Park, Kingston Pitch Report:

Sabina Park provides a balanced surface, but it gets conducive for the spinners as the game progresses. Batting first will be an ideal choice but given the chances of rain as well, the captain winning the toss might also have some inclination to chase. A total 170 runs will be a good on the surface.

WI vs SA Head-to-Head Record

Probable Playing XIs

West Indies (WI):

Brandon King (c), Johnson Charles (wk), Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze, Fabian Allen, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie

South Africa (SA):

Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen (c), Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

WI vs SA Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter:

Rassie van der Dussen had a brilliant SA20 earlier thsi year. The batter changed his approach and smashed 328 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 147.74. The surfaces in the West Indies will help him play his in his natural style and if the 35-year-old maintains a good strike rate, he can be extremely dangerous against the hosts.

Probable best bowler:

West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein hasn’t played a lot of cricket since the Pakistan Super League but he is well aware of the conditions of Sabina Park. The 31-year-old can prove to be economical and will be key for West Indies against South Africa.

Today's Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match

Scenario - 1

West Indies win the toss and opt to bat first
PP Score: 35-45
WI:  150-170
West Indies win the match

Scenario - 2

PP score: 35-45
SA: 155-175
South Africa win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.