South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies- T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8- Drop Kagiso Rabada For...

South Africa Playing XI Vs West Indies- T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8 (PC - AFP)

What is common between South Africa and the West Indies? Both teams are the only ones to have won all their games so far in the T20 World Cup 2026, making it a game to watch. These two powerhouses will meet at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.

The Windies posted a mammoth score of 254/6 - the highest total of this edition - in their previous outing against Zimbabwe on Monday. However, it was the Proteas who won the biggest game of the tournament by beating the favourites India by a hefty margin of 56 runs.

Despite a massive win in the Super 8, the Proteas have a couple of concerns they need to address in the South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies in the T20 World Cup 2026.

South Africa Playing XI Vs West Indies- T20 World Cup 2026

Openers and Top Order: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton

South Africa's top order is a concern. The opening pair of Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock averages 37.20 in this T20 World Cup 2026. The stats have been flamboyant, but they need to fire as per their reputation. Barring Aiden Markram's 86* against New Zealand, both the openers have fired any big knock against a top side.

Meanwhile, Ryan Rickelton can be seen as a top worry in South Africa's Playing XI Vs West Indies. He has scored just 152 runs off five outings, while batting at number 3. Apart from his 61 not out against Afghanistan, the left-hander hasn't done much. Although South Africa will back a talent like him, given his IPL experience.

Middle-order and all-rounders: Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen

David Miller played one of the most celebrated innings of his life against India in Ahmedabad last Sunday. His knock of 65 runs will go down as one of the best knocks played by a Protea if they go down to win this tournament from here.

But for that, the dangerous southpaw needs to back it up with another dashing blitz. He will be the most vital cog in the middle order in South Africa Playing XI Vs West Indies.

Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs are doing what exactly is asked of young, dashing batters. The duo have been playing precious cameos in the middle order, and their knocks against the reigning champions were the epitome of that.

Marco Jansen can bat, Marco Jansen can bowl; he can do everything that is asked of him. Fortunately, he is getting those many chances to swing his willow around, but with the bowl, Jansen has been an absolute beast. He has taken four-fers in his last two outings, making him a top man.

Bowlers: Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje

The Proteas will surely look to replace Anrich Nortje with Kagiso Rabada in this top-drawer affair. The right-arm pacer hasn't been able to pick a single wicket so far in the T20 World Cup 2026, and it's high time to look ahead of KG.

Meanwhile, everyone knows what Nortje can do on his given day. So don't get surprised if Nortje replaces Rabada in South Africa Playing XI Vs West Indies.

Considering it's going to be an afternoon game in Ahmedabad, Keshav Maharaj will be the biggest key in South Africa Playing XI Vs West Indies. The left-arm spinner loves bowling when there's a challenge and the West Indies batter will pose as one against the tweaker. He has taken 8 wickets in 5 matches against the Windies, and he brilliant against the Indians as well.

Lungi Ngidi made an exceptional record in the previous game, when he became the first seamer to bowl a boundary-less spell in T20Is against India since 2019. He executed his off and leg cutters to perfection, and those variations will come handy against the Windies on a hot afternoon in Ahmedabad.

There can be a toss be between Corbin Bosch and George Linde, but with two left-handers in the opposition batting; Linde might not get a nod ahead. Additionally, Bosch will bring a different dimension to the bowling by purchasing extra bounce.

South Africa Playing XI Vs West Indies- Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje