Overview:
While the West Indies have been impressive, their ability to adjust to the Ahmedabad conditions will be tested. Given South Africa's consistency and local experience, they have a slight edge.
The West Indies (WI) and South Africa (SA) will battle it out in a crucial Super Eight encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for Thursday, February 26, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The Caribbean unit has been unstoppable in their campaign, sweeping aside every opponent in their five outings. Their dominant triumph over Zimbabwe sent their net run rate soaring to a staggering +5.350. With momentum firmly on their side, a composed performance in the remaining games, especially versus the Proteas, could seal a semifinal spot.
South Africa have also been in good form, securing wins in all of their encounters. This sets up an exciting clash between two unbeaten sides. One factor that could work in the Proteas’ favor is their familiarity with the Ahmedabad conditions, having played four out of five matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
WI vs SA Match Details
| Fixture | WI vs SA : 47th Match, T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | February 26th, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Time | 3:00 PM IST |
| Toss time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Ground | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
WI vs SA head-to-head records in T20I
| Matches Played | WI | SA |
| 29 | 15 | 14 |
Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium has been the stage for five high-scoring T20 World Cup 2026 matches, and the clash between West Indies and South Africa is likely to continue that trend. Both teams are filled with dynamic power hitters, making this encounter a potential run-fest. The pitch could offer some grip initially, but it should ease out.
WI vs SA Probable Best Performers
Key batter to watch out for: Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer could be the X-factor with the bat for the Windies in this fixture. The left-hander is striking it cleanly and arrives on the back of a blistering 85 from just 34 deliveries against Zimbabwe.
Key bowler to watch out for: Marco Jansen
Marco Jansen, South Africa’s left-arm pacer, will be the key bowler to watch out for in. With 11 wickets to his name, he has been winning matches for his side. What makes his record even more impressive is that all his wickets have come at the Narendra Modi Stadium, showing just how well he has adapted to the conditions.
WI vs SA Match Prediction ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The West Indies and South Africa are both in strong form, remaining undefeated in the tournament. South Africa’s advantage lies in their familiarity with the Narendra Modi Stadium. While the West Indies have been impressive, their ability to adjust to the Ahmedabad conditions will be tested. Given South Africa’s consistency and local experience, they have a slight edge.
WI vs SA Probable XIs
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (captain & wicketkeeper), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Sherfane Rutherford, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi