South Africa and the West Indies will face off in a crucial Super 8 clash, with the winner taking a significant step toward a spot in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. But Zimbabwe and India will also be keeping a close eye on the contest when the Proteas and the Caribbean side take the field on Thursday, February 26 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
India’s net run rate of -3.800 took a hit following their huge defeat to South Africa in their first Super 8 match. Net run rate could prove decisive for India if three teams end up tied on six points each, as the side with the superior net run rate would progress. A similar scenario occurred in the T20 World Cup 2012, when India won two of three Super 8 matches but were edged out due to an inferior net run rate.
Meanwhile, South Africa remain unbeaten in the tournament, and with a net run rate of +3.800, they look like strong contenders to advance from Group 1. The West Indies are also undefeated, and after their win over Zimbabwe, they appear well-positioned for a top-four finish.
ADVANTAGE SOUTH AFRICA IN AHMEDABAD?
For the Proteas, Ahmedabad has felt like a home away from home. Of the five games they’ve played in the tournament, four have been at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with the only exception being the match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aside from their thrilling Super Over win against Afghanistan, South Africa have delivered dominant performances at this venue.
However, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj feels the team doesn’t have a built-in advantage, as they’ve played on different pitches each time. Maharaj emphasised that, more than relying on familiarity, the Proteas need to adapt quickly to the conditions and adjust their game accordingly.
“It’s nice not having to travel. From a pitch perspective, though, I think every game has been very different. In the four matches we’ve played here, conditions have varied throughout each game. I wouldn’t see it as a major advantage – what matters is adapting quickly and focusing on executing those adjustments during the game,” Maharaj said in the pre-match press conference.
‘NO POINT TO PROVE’
The West Indies, on the other hand, have come out firing on all cylinders in the ongoing tournament. Since their famous title triumph in India in 2016, the two-time champions endured disappointing campaigns in the 2021, 2022 and 2024 editions. However, they have looked like a completely transformed side this time around.
With five consecutive wins under their belt, the West Indies are brimming with confidence. Batting coach Floyd Reifer said the team has nothing to prove to anyone and will continue to play with a positive and fearless mindset.
“There’s no point to prove for us and we came here like any other team to win the competition, a lot of people have us flying under the radar but we plan every game to go in there with a positive mentality to win cricket games,” Reifer told the reporters.
It was only on Monday that the West Indies hammered Zimbabwe, registering the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history. However, beating South Africa will be far from straightforward, as the Proteas have also enjoyed an impressive campaign and have done little wrong in the tournament so far.
WI vs SA: HEAD-TO-HEAD
There’s very little separating the two teams in T20I history, with the West Indies holding a slight edge. Considering both teams’ current form in the ongoing tournament, the upcoming match is expected to be closely contested. However, in T20 World Cups, the Proteas have historically held the upper hand.
Overall
Matches – 29, South Africa – 14, West Indies – 15, N/R – 0
In T20 World Cups
Matches – 5, South Africa – 4, West Indies – 1, N/R – 0
PITCH AND CONDITIONS AT AHMEDABAD
The pitch in Ahmedabad has generally favoured teams batting first, with an average first-innings score of 191 compared to just 169 for teams chasing. However, the Proteas demonstrated that chasing can also be successful, having chased down 176 against New Zealand in just 17.1 overs.
The playing conditions are expected to be bright and sunny, with no chance of rain. Temperatures will hover around 34 degrees Celsius, accompanied by comfortable humidity.
WI vs SA: PREDICTED XIs
West Indies XI: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
South Africa XI: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
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