RSA vs WI – 1st T20i Prediction 25 Mar 2023

South Africa and West Indies will face each other in the first T20I of their three-match series at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Saturday.

• The two teams have already played a Test series, with South Africa winning 2-0.
• West Indies won the second ODI, but South Africa levelled the series in the final ODI after the first match was washed out.
• Both teams have introduced several new players to their squads and will be looking to start fresh in the T20 format.

RSA vs WI – 1st T20I – Venue Details

Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion

Date: March 25th 2023

Time: 14:00 (local)

RSA vs WI – 1st T20I – Team Previews

South Africa

Aiden Markram has been named as South Africa’s new skipper, replacing Temba Bavuma. The home team, who won the last ODI by chasing down a target of 261 runs in just 29.3 overs, are the favorites to win this T20I series against West Indies. South Africa has won four of their last five T20I encounters against West Indies.

Markram will lead the team in the T20Is for the first time, with a full-strength squad available to him. Proteas pace spearheads Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada are set to return for the T20I series after sitting out of the ODI series. Heinrich Klassen, who scored a quick-fire century in the final ODI, will be a player to watch out for in this series.

Anrich Nortje, who was the joint leading wicket-taker in the inaugural SA20, comes into this encounter well-rested and full of confidence. With his raw pace, he has the ability to trouble the Windies’ batters. Quinton de Kock, who scored a quick-fire 48 off 26 balls in the second ODI, will be looking to score big in this T20I series.

West Indies

Rovman Powell has taken over the captaincy for West Indies in T20Is, succeeding Nicholas Pooran. The team boasts a number of dynamic players, including Alzarri Joseph, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, and Akeal Hosein, who can be game-changers on their day.

Although West Indies won the second ODI against South Africa to take a 1-0 lead, they were disappointing in the third match, highlighting their lack of consistency in T20Is. The team is making their first T20I appearance since their early exit at the T20 World Cup 2022.

Despite scoring 39 in both innings of the ODI series, Pooran has been struggling for form in T20Is, failing to cross seven in five of his last six matches. However, he has managed to score half-centuries in his last three T20Is when he was not the captain.

Akeal Hosein has developed into a reliable all-rounder, and his bowling during the powerplay will be key to containing Quinton de Kock. While South Africa have Anrich Nortje as their pace spearhead, Alzarri Joseph can also clock high speeds and cause problems for the Proteas.

RSA vs WI – 1st T20I – Probable Playing XI’s

South Africa: AD Markram (Cap), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, RL Rossouw, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, De Kock (wk), KG Rabada, Anrich Nortje, BJ Fortuin, Tabraiz Shamsi

West Indies: RV Powell (Cap), Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, J Holder, Romario Shepherd, Nich Pooran (wk), Johnson Charles, A Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Yannic Cariah, Sheldon Cottrell

RSA vs WI – 1st T20I – Pitch Report and Toss Prediction

The pitch at Centurion has been favorable for batsmen lately, with an average score of 190.8 runs across the six T20 matches played there this year. However, the pacers are expected to get some assistance with the new ball, which could provide an opportunity for them to take early wickets.

RSA vs WI – 1st T20I – Match Prediction

Aiden Markram will look to start off his long-awaited leadership tenure with a victory, while the inexperienced Rovman Powell will look to do the same. South Africa’s well-rounded side and home conditions make them favourites for this game.