The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is approaching in a few weeks, and two-time champions West Indies have arrived in South Africa for a three-match T20I series that serves as a build-up to the global tournament. The Caribbean side comes into the series after suffering a T20I series defeat against Afghanistan in the UAE, although several first-choice players were missing from that squad.
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SA vs WI Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update - West Indies Tour of South Africa 2026, 1st T20I

With several key players returning to the squad, let's have a look at some of the ideal picks for your SA vs WI Dream11 prediction, including the best captain and vice-captain options for maximum fantasy returns.
SA vs WI Match Preview
The opening T20I between South Africa and the West Indies will be played on Tuesday at Boland Park, with the match set to begin at 9:30 PM IST. Aiden Markram will lead South Africa as they look to take an early lead in the series.
The Proteas have selected a squad influenced by standout performers from the recently concluded SA20 2025–26. Players like Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have been added to the squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, and Proteas management will be looking to provide some game time for the entire group. Meanwhile, Shai Hope has been handed the captaincy of the visiting side and will be eager to test his side against a strong South African unit on their home turf.
South Africa vs West Indies Match Details
| Series | West Indies Tour of South Africa 2026 |
|---|---|
| Match | South Africa vs West Indies, 1st T20I |
| Toss | To be updated |
| Venue | Boland Park |
| City | Paarl |
| Match Start Time | 9:30 PM IST, 27th January, 2026 |
| Scorecard | SA vs WI 1st T20I Scorecard |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
SA vs WI Dream11 Team Today Stats
- South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock was the standout in the previous match, scoring 65 off just 35 balls. His knock included nine fours and three maximums, making him a prime candidate for the SA vs WI Dream11 team prediction.
- Among the bowlers, Corbin Bosch delivered the most impact for the Proteas in the last T20 match, finishing with two crucial wickets. His ability to strike at key moments makes him a crucial pick for the SA vs WI Dream11 prediction today match.
- From the West Indies, opening batter Brandon King was their top run-getter in the previous contest, with 47 runs from 35 deliveries. He is once again expected to contribute to the SA vs WI Dream11 today prediction.
- On the bowling front for the Caribbean side, Shamar Springer stood out with an excellent spell, picking up four wickets while conceding just five per over. He is likely to be a major influence in the SA vs WI Dream11 today team prediction.
| Player | Player's Stats (Last Match) |
|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock (SA) | 65 Runs |
| Corbin Bosch (SA) | 2 Wickets |
| Brandon King (WI) | 47 Runs |
| Shamar Springer (WI) | 4 Wickets |
SA vs WI Injury Update Today
The trio of Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs will be unavailable for the first T20I of the series as these players have been rested after the recently concluded SA20 2025-26 season, where their side, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, went on to win the title a few days ago.
SA vs WI Toss Prediction
Given the conditions at Boland Park, the toss could be a decisive factor, with South Africa skipper Aiden Markram expected to bat first if he gets the call right. The surface at this ground tends to lose pace, which often brings the team batting second under pressure.
Record of Chasing Teams at Boland Park
Putting runs on board in the first innings has been the more reliable strategy at this venue. Out of the 11 T20 internationals played here, sides batting first have emerged victorious on seven occasions, while teams chasing have managed only four wins.
| Chasing Record | Winning % |
|---|---|
| Average | 36% |
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SA vs WI Playing 11 (Probable)
The Proteas will be without the likes of Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs for the 1st T20I of the South Africa vs West Indies series. These players have been rested, and Aiden Markram will continue to lead the home side.
| South Africa Playing XI | West Indies Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram (c) | Brandon King |
| Ryan Rickelton (wk) | Shai Hope (c) |
| Rubin Hermann | Johnson Charles (wk) |
| Dewald Brevis | Shimron Hetmyer |
| Jason Smith | Sherfane Rutherford |
| George Linde | Rovman Powell |
| Corbin Bosch | Romario Shepherd |
| Kagiso Rabada | Jason Holder |
| Keshav Maharaj | Matthew Forde |
| Anrich Nortje | Akeal Hosein |
| Lungi Ngidi | Gudakesh Motie |
Highest Run Scorers and Highest Wicket Takers
- With the T20I series just getting started, there are no prior match statistics from this contest for top run-scorers or wicket-takers. However, based on current form, Ryan Rickelton and Brandon King are expected to lead the batting charts for their respective sides.
- On the bowling front, South Africa’s pacer Kagiso Rabada, who is among the best bowlers in the world, and West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, are strong candidates to make the biggest impact with the ball.
| Highest Run Scorers | Ryan Rickelton and Brandon King |
|---|---|
| Highest Wicket Takers | Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder |
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SA vs WI Captain and Vice Captain Choices
- According to the SA vs WI Dream11 prediction, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton are the most reliable choices for the captain’s slot, because of their strong form and consistency in T20 cricket.
- When it comes to vice-captain selections, Jason Holder and Corbin Bosch offer excellent value. Both all-rounders have the potential to influence the game in multiple departments.
| Captain | Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton |
|---|---|
| Vice-Captain | Jason Holder and Corbin Bosch |
Top Picks for SA vs WI Dream11 Prediction
- Proteas batter Dewald Brevis has been in fine form in the recently concluded SA20. He has been putting up consistent performances in the T20 format and will be a top pick for this clash.
- The West Indies opener Brandon King has been providing the starts to the team and anchoring the innings well in recent outings. He scored 47 runs in his previous game and will look to continue with the form.
| Players |
|---|
| Dewald Brevis |
| Brandon King |
Budget Picks for SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction
- Corbin Bosch was the leading wicket-taker for the home side and bagged two crucial wickets in SA's last T20 fixture. He should be backed in your fantasy team for this game as well.
- Fast bowler Anrich Nortje was among the highest wicket takers in the SA20 2025-26 with 18 wickets in 11 innings. Back him to perform in this match as well.
| Players |
|---|
| Corbin Bosch |
| Anrich Nortje |
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Best Team for Dream11 Today's Match
- Keepers: S Hope, R Rickelton
- Batters: B King, D Brevis, S Rutherford
- All-rounders: A Markram (c), C Bosch, J Holder (vc)
- Bowlers: A Nortje, J Seales, K Rabada
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Best Dream11 Team Today
- Keepers: J Charles, R Rickelton (c)
- Batters: D Brevis, R Powell, S Rutherford
- All-rounders: A Markram, M Forde, C Bosch (vc), R Shepherd
- Bowlers: A Nortje, A Hosein
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Note: Sportsdunia has prepared a fantasy team for SA vs WI based on their experience in fantasy cricket.
SA vs WI Dream11 Prediction Today (1st T20I) West Indies Tour of South Africa 2026 Players to Avoid
- Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has been rested for the 1st T20I of the series, so avoid picking him in your Dream11 combination for this fixture.
- Marco Jansen will also be excluded from the Proteas playing 11 for the same reason in the South Africa cricket team vs West Indies cricket team match.
| Players | Dream11 Credits |
|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | 9.0 credits |
| Marco Jansen | 9.0 credits |
SA vs WI Weather & Pitch Report at Boland Park
- Clear skies and sunshine are expected in Paarl on Tuesday, with weather conditions set to remain ideal for cricket throughout the day. The temperature is forecast to be around 26°C, while humidity levels are expected to stay in the mid-40s to 50 per cent.
- The Paarl surface is well-suited to the T20 format, providing decent carry for the quick bowlers. With the pitch expected to be on the drier side, spinners should also find some assistance as the game progresses. The first-innings totals at this venue usually fall in the 160–170 range.
| Temperature | 26°C |
|---|---|
| Weather Forecast | Clear Sky |
| Pitch Behaviour | Balanced |
| Best Suited To | Batters & Pacers |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 165 runs |
SA vs WI Head-to-Head Records
South Africa and the West Indies have faced each other 26 times in T20 international cricket so far. In the SA vs WI head-to-head record, the West Indies hold a slight edge with 14 victories, while South Africa has emerged successful in the remaining 12 encounters.
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| South Africa (SA) | 12 |
| West Indies (WI) | 14 |
| No Result | 0 |
Disclaimer: This team is based on the analysis, calculated odds, and past experience of the author. While selecting your team, consider the analysis only as supporting data while making your own decision. Sportsdunia does not work with insider news and will not be responsible for any monetary loss to the users following the analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will win the 1st T20I of the West Indies Tour of South Africa 2026?
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Who will win the 1st T20I of the West Indies Tour of South Africa 2026?
South Africa are expected to win the 1st T20I of the series.
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