SA vs WI 1st T20I Playing 11: Aiden Markram-led South Africa will square off against Roston Chase-led West Indies in the 1st T20I match on January 27 at Boland Park, Paarl.

Both South Africa and the West Indies will clash in the T20I series, which will be crucial for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Both sides have met on 26 occasions, where the West Indies has a slight edge with 14 wins while the Proteas men have 12 wins.

South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl. Speaking at the toss, Aiden Markram said, “Got a bit of knowledge in the camp. Boys have played here recently in SA20. Lot of talk was that it will come better under lights and we are taking their word for it and happy to chase.”

Speaking on the stats, “You look at the numbers,  the intel that comes from your own camp holds more weight. Conditions can change quite a bit. We take the intel and numbers and try to merge the two together.,” Markram Added.

Speaking about the World Cup campaign, “Yeah, look you want to take confidence to the World Cup. Our squad has been in really good form. You want to take that confidence to the World Cup. Hopefully, with a few wins and tick the last boxes before we travel to India,” added South Africa captain.

“Probably just role clarity. Ryan Rickelton will bat at number 3. Myself and when Quinny comes back will open and getting the finishers into the role and use them when we go to India,” concluded Aiden Markram.

Kagiso Rabada is making his 250th international appearance after being named in Today South Africa Cricket Team Players List.

Meanwhile, Roston Chase said, “Yeah, we would have bowled first as well. We think the wicket gets better as the game goes on, especially under light. Yeah that and what the stats show.”

“Obviously before the World Cup, we want to tick those boxes and want to win to gain some confidence going into the World Cup,” added Chase.

“Yeah, well. Some of the guys have been playing a lot of cricket. Some haven’t played much. It is just about we follow a blueprint and tick the boxes we want. Once we step on the field, we need to have that energy to go out there and maximise to win every game,” concluded Roston Chase.

Meanwhile, Fans can check out the Today West Indies Cricket Team Players List which features the list of playing 11 and match details.

SA vs WI 1st T20I Playing 11

South Africa Playing 11: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Aiden Markram(c), Ryan Rickelton(w), Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka

West Indies Playing 11: Brandon King, Johnson Charles(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase(c), Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales