South Africa vs West Indies Predicted Playing XI, Head to Head & Super 8 Preview

Two unbeaten giants are on a collision course. South Africa and West Indies — both with perfect records — meet in Match 47 of the Super Eights, Group 1 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on February 26, 2026. This is not just a league game; it’s a statement match. The winner stamps serious authority heading into the knockout rounds of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

South Africa swept their Group D campaign with four wins from four, carrying a staggering NRR of +1.943. West Indies matched that energy in Group C — four wins, four games, NRR of +1.874. Both sides look like serious title contenders, and this Super 8 meeting is the game cricket fans have been waiting for.

Match Details at a Glance

Super 8 Group 1 Points Table

Heading into this clash, both teams sit on 2 points with one win each in the Super 8 stage. West Indies lead on NRR (+5.350 vs +3.800), making this a potential top-of-the-table decider.

Keep an eye on the T20 World Cup 2026 updated points table after every game to track who leads the Super 8 standings.

South Africa vs West Indies Head to Head (Last 5 T20Is)

Recent history is evenly contested — making this game impossible to call. Three of the last five meetings were decided by big margins, yet the series is split 3-2 in West Indies’ favour going into tonight.

West Indies lead 3-2 in recent H2H. South Africa’s last two wins came in dominant fashion — both 7 and 9 wicket victories — suggesting the Proteas can turn things around completely on their day.

South Africa Predicted Playing XI

Aiden Markram leads a balanced, explosive side. With Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton both capable of fiery starts, SA’s top-order depth is genuinely intimidating. The bowling attack — anchored by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen — is arguably one of the most complete in the tournament.

• Jason Smith
• Quinton de Kock (wk)
• Aiden Markram (c)
• Dewald Brevis
• David Miller
• Tristan Stubbs
• Corbin Bosch
• George Linde
• Marco Jansen
• Keshav Maharaj
• Kagiso Rabada / Anrich Nortje / Lungi Ngidi (pace rotation)

West Indies Predicted Playing XI

West Indies pack serious firepower in every position. Shimron Hetmyer has been in ridiculous form — 449 runs at an average of 56 and a brutal SR of 189.45. Brandon King provides a solid foundation up top, and the spin threat of Gudakesh Motie has troubled every team so far in this tournament.

• Brandon King
• Kyle Mayers
• Nicholas Pooran (c/wk)
• Shimron Hetmyer
• Rovman Powell
• Andre Russell
• Romario Shepherd
• Jason Holder
• Gudakesh Motie
• Matthew Forde
• Alzarri Joseph

Check out all T20 WC 2026 team squads and rosters for the latest confirmed lineups before match time.

Key Players to Watch

With the Bat

Shimron Hetmyer (WI) is the standout batter of this clash. His 449 runs across 10 recent matches at an average of 56 with an SR touching 190 is genuinely frightening. For South Africa, Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock — both averaging above 37 with strike rates over 163 — will need to fire early to set any kind of chaseable total.

With the Ball

Marco Jansen is South Africa’s most dangerous bowler right now — 13 wickets in 7 matches with a strike rate of 12.38. On the other side, Gudakesh Motie (13 wickets, economy 7.82) has been West Indies’ MVP in the bowling department. Matthew Forde‘s economy of 6.79 makes him particularly dangerous in the power play.

Venue & Pitch Analysis

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is a belter of a venue for T20 cricket. The surface tends to be true and pace-friendly in the early overs, with dew becoming a significant factor in night games — which heavily favours the chasing side. In T20Is here, teams batting second have won more often than not once dew sets in, so the toss could genuinely matter tonight.

The ground’s massive capacity (over 130,000) will create an electric atmosphere that adds to the pressure on both sides.

What’s at Stake

A win here essentially puts the winner in pole position to top Super 8 Group 1 and potentially choose their semifinal path. Both sides have been absolutely ruthless in this tournament — combined, these two teams have won eight out of eight group stage games. Something has to give for the first time tonight.

This is already shaping up as one of the defining matches of the entire tournament. Don’t miss the full T20 World Cup 2026 match schedule to stay on top of every game from here to the final.

South Africa vs West Indies FAQs

What time does SA vs WI start on February 26?

The match starts at 3:00 PM local time (IST) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. It’s a day-night fixture.

Who leads the head-to-head record between SA and WI in T20Is?

West Indies lead the last 5 T20I H2H meetings 3-2, with their most recent win coming on January 31, 2026 by 6 runs via DLS.

Which team has the better NRR in Super 8 Group 1?

West Indies lead with an NRR of +5.350 compared to South Africa’s +3.800 after one game each in the Super Eights.

Who is the top run-scorer between these two sides in recent form?

Shimron Hetmyer of West Indies leads with 449 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 56.13 and a strike rate of 189.45.

Who is the top wicket-taker heading into this match?

Both Marco Jansen (SA) and Gudakesh Motie (WI) have taken 13 wickets each in their recent matches, making this a fascinating bowling battle to watch.

Where can I follow the T20 WC 2026 Super 8 groups?

You can follow all Super 8 group updates, results and standings on the T20 World Cup 2026 groups page.