South Africa are buoyed over a 2-0 Test series victory over West Indies. However, things will be different when they take on a full-strength West Indies in the first match of the five-match T20I series. The first of these will also be the first at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada.
Having named just a 13-member squad for this series, picking the starting XI will not be an ordeal for head coach Andre Fletcher. Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell are all available for the series. If all three gets a nod for the first T20I, which is likely to happen, this would be the first instance in over six years they play a match together.
Evin Lewis is in hot water after a string of low scores. This is going to be a crucial series for him. An ordinary performance or two may lead to him being replaced by Shimron Hetmyer. Pairing him at the top of the order is likely to be Lendl Simmons.
Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and the skipper Kieron Pollard form the crux of an explosive middle order. They also have the luxury to play four genuine all-rounders in Bravo, Fabian Allen, Jason Holder, and Russell.
Temba Bavuma has recovered from the hip strain and the dislocated finger that had kept him out for both Tests. He will take over captaincy duty for South Africa. Quinton de Kock will love to translate his Test form to the T20I, where he will be opening with Bavuma.
Faf du Plessis’ absence has left a huge void. One of Heinrich Klaasen and Kyle Verreynne will be expected to fill that spot. David Miller impressed everyone in the Pakistan series, and a lot will hinge on him to provide the finishing touch.
The triumvirate of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje will be leading the pace department. George Linde likely to be the second spinner, alongside Tabraiz Shamsi.
Head to Head:
South Africa lead with 6-4 scoreline.
Probable XIs
West Indies: Lendl Simmons, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Fabian Allen, Kevin Sinclair, Obed McCoy
South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Janneman Malan, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
Prediction
West Indies to win the match.