After losing their respective Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 openers, South Africa and West Indies will be looking to turn things around when they take on each other on 26 October, in Match 18 of the tournament in Dubai.
Led by Kieron Pollard, West Indies will be more desperate than South Africa to win this one after a hammering blow against England, which crippled their net run rate. They were wrapped up for just 56 in that evening, and England only took 8.2 overs to chase the target.
The sole saving grace for West Indies in that contest was Akeal Hosein, who came as replacement for the injured Fabian Allen. Known for accurate bowling, mostly inside the Powerplay, Hosein had an impressive CPL outing with Trinbago Knight Riders under Pollard. Here, he bowled four overs on the trot from the start of the England innings, for 2-24. He also took a magnificent catch off his own bowling.
South Africa were on a seven-match winning streak in T20Is ahead of the World Cup. Unfortunately, barring Aiden Markram, their batters failed to live up to the expectations against Australia, limping to 118/9.
Despite having a paltry total on board, South African bowlers, led by Anrich Nortje, as well as their fielders, put on a valiant show to keep the contest alive till the final over. They all went under less than seven and a half an over, but it was still not enough.
South Africa may go for five specialist bowlers this time. For that, Lungi Ngidi may replace Wiaan Mulder. They may also bring in Reeza Hendricks as Quinton de Kock's opening partner, benching Heinrich Klaasen or David Miller.
West Indies, on the other hand, can consider Roston Chase to add a dimension to their line-up. Chase was adjudged Player of the Tournament in the CPL 2021 for his all-round effort, and can provide stability to the West Indies middle order. Chris Gayle, the only batter who reached double digits against England, may sacrifice his place.
The two sides played five T20Is in the Caribbean last July, where South Africa clinched the series 3-2 after winning the decider. Overall, they met 15 times in this format. South Africa are currently have the upper hand with a lead of 9-6.
Likely XIs
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.
West Indies: Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Dwayne Bravo, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard (c), Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Obed McCoy, Ravi Rampaul.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back West Indies. Make Russell captain. He came to bat at No. 8 last time, but did not get the chance to bowl.
- Rampaul finished as the leading wicket-taker in the CPL 2021. Do not ignore him.
- Lewis and de Kock are dependable batters. They fell cheaply in the tournament openers, but are unlikely to fail again.
Prediction
West Indies should win this one.
Blitzpools Fantasy XI
Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (vc), Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Aiden Markram, Roston Chase, Andre Russell (c), Ravi Rampaul, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.