Introduction & Match Overview
South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 turned into an unforgettable spectacle at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Imagine this: a pink-ball charity match for breast cancer awareness, buzzing with a sell-out crowd, suddenly interrupted by dramatic lightning strikes. What started as a standard T20I morphed into a frantic 10-over shootout, where West Indies snatched a thrilling 6-run victory via the DLS method. This consolation win prevented a whitewash, handing South Africa a 2-1 series triumph but leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The date was January 31, 2026—a Saturday evening that promised fireworks but delivered thunder instead. South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to chase under lights. But Mother Nature had other plans. Lightning delays pushed the start back by 75 minutes, reducing the game to 16 overs per side initially. Then, after just six overs of West Indies batting, another storm halted play for an hour, slashing it further to 10 overs each.
West Indies posted 114 for 3 in their allotted overs, thanks to explosive knocks from Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, both scoring 48. South Africa’s revised DLS target? A steep 125 in 10 overs. They managed 118 for 6, falling agonizingly short. Gudakesh Motie’s spellbinding 3 for 17 earned him Player of the Match, while Quinton de Kock claimed Player of the Series for his consistent fireworks.
Why does this match matter? It’s the final tune-up before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, kicking off February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Both teams head into the tournament with lessons learned—South Africa with series momentum, West Indies with a morale-boosting upset. As cricket fans, have you ever seen weather flip a game so dramatically? This one rivals some of the most chaotic T20 clashes in history.
Match Summary
Let’s break it down simply. West Indies batted first after the delays, smashing boundaries amid the chaos. Their innings featured 12 sixes and 4 fours, with Hetmyer launching one that even hit a spectator (thankfully, just a minor bump after a medical check). South Africa’s chase started strong with de Kock’s 19 off the first over but crumbled under spin pressure.
The DLS adjustment bumped the target to 125 because of the reduction—essentially rewarding West Indies’ aggressive start. South Africa needed 62 off the last four overs, but Shamar Joseph’s yorkers in the death sealed the deal. A dropped catch and a one-short run added to the heartbreak.
For more on the scorecard, check our detailed breakdown below. If you’re craving visuals, head to ESPNcricinfo’s highlights.
Weather Drama
Lightning wasn’t just a metaphor here—it was literal. The pilot spotting strikes during a pre-match flyover caused the first delay. Play resumed, but after West Indies reached 66 for 1 in six overs, more bolts forced everyone off again.
This isn’t uncommon at The Wanderers, known for its high-altitude thunderstorms. In fact, historical data from Cricbuzz shows similar interruptions in past tours. The umpires, Arno Jacobs and Bongani Jele, handled it professionally, ensuring safety first.
How did it impact strategy? Teams had to switch from building innings to all-out assault. West Indies adapted brilliantly, scoring 48 runs in the final four overs.
Why This Win Matters
For West Indies, it’s a confidence booster. After heavy losses in the first two games (9 wickets and 7 wickets), this shows their depth in spin and finishing. South Africa, meanwhile, tested their bench—middle-order exposure for the likes of Dewald Brevis and Jason Smith.
As we transition to the scorecard, remember: this match wasn’t just about runs; it was about resilience. Check our first T20I recap for series context.
Detailed Scorecard & Innings Breakdown
South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 scorecard reveals a tale of two innings: West Indies’ boundary blitz and South Africa’s valiant but failed chase. We’ll dissect it over by over, with tables for clarity. All stats are sourced from official reports like ESPNcricinfo and online cricket databases.
First, the full batting and bowling summaries in tabular form.
West Indies Innings: Aggressive Start Amid Delays
West Indies came out swinging after the initial delay. Shai Hope carved the first ball for four, setting the tone. Johnson Charles fell early, but Hetmyer—helmetless at first—unleashed fury. He smashed Ngidi for sixes, one landing on a fan’s forehead.
By over 4.4, they reached 50. The second wicket partnership between Hope and Hetmyer was electric: 86 off 41 balls. Maharaj’s over went for 20, but he snagged Hope later.
Post-second delay, with four overs left, they added 48 runs. Powell’s two sixes off Maphaka were highlights before his catch. Hetmyer ended with a sixth six, unbeaten on 48*.
Key moments:
- Over 1: Hope 4 off Ngidi.
- Over 3: Hetmyer sixes Ngidi twice.
- Over 5: Markram over costs 18.
- Over 8: Maharaj 20-run over, but Hope out.
- Over 9: Powell two sixes, then out.
- Over 10: Hetmyer final six.
Dot-ball percentage: 37%. Boundaries dominated: 88 runs from them.
| West Indies Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Hope (c & wk) | 48 | 25 | 3 | 4 | 192.00 |
| Johnson Charles | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Shimron Hetmyer | 48* | 22 | 1 | 6 | 218.18 |
| Rovman Powell | 13 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 185.71 |
| Romario Shepherd | 3* | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | 2 (lb 2) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 114/3 (10 ov, RR: 11.4) | – | – | – | – |
Did not bat: Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein.
| South Africa Bowling | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lungi Ngidi | 2 | 0 | 19 | 1 | 9.50 |
| George Linde | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 4.50 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 2 | 0 | 38 | 1 | 19.00 |
| Aiden Markram | 1 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 18.00 |
| Corbin Bosch | 2 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 8.00 |
| Kwena Maphaka | 1 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 12.00 |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 0.6 | Johnson Charles |
| 2 | 91 | 7.5 | Shai Hope |
| 3 | 104 | 8.6 | Rovman Powell |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Batters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hope-Charles | 5 | 6 | Hope 5(3), Charles 0(3) |
| Hope-Hetmyer | 86 | 41 | Hope 43(22), Hetmyer 41(19) |
| Powell-Hetmyer | 13 | 7 | Powell 13(7), Hetmyer 0(0) |
| Shepherd-Hetmyer | 10 | 6 | Shepherd 3(3), Hetmyer 7(3) |
Powerplay: Overs 0.1-4.5, 56 runs, 1 wicket.
South Africa Chase: Middle-Order Collapse
South Africa needed 125 under DLS. De Kock blasted 19 off Holder’s first over. But spin changed everything. Hosein got Markram caught and bowled.
De Kock fell to Motie, caught on the rope. Brevis was dropped early but built with Rickelton (28 off 11 balls, four sixes). Motie struck twice in one over: Rickelton to long-on, Brevis relay catch.
Smith smashed 26 off 10, including fours and a six. Stubbs added 10*, but Joseph’s final over was masterful: yorker bowled Smith, then a drop but one-short, leaving 8 off last ball—impossible.
Key moments:
- Over 1: De Kock 19 runs.
- Over 2: Markram out.
- Over 4: De Kock out.
- Over 6: Motie double strike.
- Over 9: Smith 20 off 7.
- Over 10: Joseph yorkers, Smith bowled.
Dot-ball %: 27%. Boundaries: 84 runs.
| South Africa Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram (c) | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Quinton de Kock (wk) | 28 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 200.00 |
| Dewald Brevis | 17 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 170.00 |
| Ryan Rickelton | 15 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 214.29 |
| George Linde | 17 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 188.89 |
| Jason Smith | 26 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 260.00 |
| Tristan Stubbs | 10* | 5 | 0 | 1 | 200.00 |
| Corbin Bosch | 2* | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | 1 (nb 1) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 118/6 (10 ov, RR: 11.8) | – | – | – | – |
Did not bat: Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.
| West Indies Bowling | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Holder | 2 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 15.00 |
| Akeal Hosein | 2 | 0 | 25 | 1 | 12.50 |
| Roston Chase | 2 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 11.50 |
| Gudakesh Motie | 2 | 0 | 17 | 3 | 8.50 |
| Shamar Joseph | 2 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 11.50 |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | 1.5 | Aiden Markram |
| 2 | 34 | 3.5 | Quinton de Kock |
| 3 | 62 | 5.4 | Ryan Rickelton |
| 4 | 63 | 5.6 | Dewald Brevis |
| 5 | 100 | 8.2 | George Linde |
| 6 | 116 | 9.4 | Jason Smith |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Batters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Markram-de Kock | 23 | 11 | Markram 2(4), de Kock 21(7) |
| Brevis-de Kock | 11 | 12 | Brevis 4(5), de Kock 7(7) |
| Brevis-Rickelton | 28 | 11 | Brevis 13(4), Rickelton 15(7) |
| Brevis-Linde | 1 | 2 | Brevis 0(1), Linde 1(1) |
| Smith-Linde | 37 | 14 | Smith 20(7), Linde 16(8) |
| Smith-Stubbs | 16 | 8 | Smith 6(3), Stubbs 10(5) |
| Bosch-Stubbs | 2 | 2 | Bosch 2(2), Stubbs 0(0) |
Powerplay: Overs 0.1-3, 31 runs, 1 wicket.
Key Stats & Records
| Stat | West Indies | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Power Play Runs | 66/1 | 63/4 |
| Middle Overs Runs | 48/2 | 55/2 |
| Sixes | 12 | 8 |
| Fours | 4 | 9 |
| Boundary Runs | 88 | 84 |
| Dot Balls % | 37% | 27% |
| Extras | 2 | 1 |
Records: Hetmyer’s 171 series runs top the charts. Motie’s 3/17 is his best in T20Is. De Kock’s series tally: 143 runs.
Tactical note: Spin economy (Motie 8.50) vs pace (15.00 for Holder) highlights WI’s adjustment.
Standout Stars: Player Performances in SA vs WI 3rd T20I 2026
In South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026, individual brilliance shone through the rain. From Motie’s magical spin to Hetmyer’s six-hitting spree, let’s spotlight the heroes. Quotes from post-match interviews add depth, drawn from ESPN and X posts.
Gudakesh Motie – Player of the Match (3/17)
Motie was the game-changer. In two overs, he claimed 3 for 17, dismantling SA’s middle order. De Kock caught at long-off, Rickelton to Holder, Brevis via relay—pure class.
“I’m very happy with the performance,” Motie said. “I was in and out of the team and waiting for the opportunity. The ball came out good.” He credited working on his Chinaman delivery, boosted by coaching staff.
Stats:
- Economy: 8.50
- Wickets: de Kock (28), Rickelton (15), Brevis (17)
- Impact: Turned 34/1 into 63/4
His series debut wicket haul? This match alone gave him 3, his best.
Shimron Hetmyer & Shai Hope – Twin 48s
Hetmyer: 48* off 22 (1 four, 6 sixes). He arrived capless, smashed Ngidi, and finished with a bang. Series total: 171 runs at 178.12 SR.
Hope: 48 off 25 (3 fours, 4 sixes). As captain, he led from front, driving elegantly.
Hope post-match: “I have to be very happy. Anytime you cross that line, the aim is to win games.” On adaptation: “It’s challenging setting totals in shortened games, but the guys showed focus.”
Their 86-run stand: Crucial in building 114.
Quinton de Kock – Series Hero
De Kock’s 28 off 14 (4 fours, 1 six) was explosive but short-lived. Series: 143 runs, including a century in game 2.
“To be fair, there’s not much planning,” de Kock shared. “Just trying to continue my process.” His natural reactions after years of play make him SA’s anchor.
Shamar Joseph – Nerve-Steel Death Over
Joseph’s debut series over: 2 overs, 1/23, but the final one was gold. Yorkers bowled Smith, limited to 23 runs when 16 needed.
No direct quote, but his composure echoes his Test heroics against Australia.
Jason Smith & Tristan Stubbs – Late Fight
Smith: 26 off 10 (4 fours, 1 six). “Picked as a finisher,” he justified his World Cup spot.
Stubbs: 10* off 5. Their 16-run stand kept hopes alive.
Drops hurt WI: Brevis on 2, Bosch in final over. But they held nerve.
Series context: De Kock’s century in 2nd, Hetmyer’s consistency.
Tactical Masterclass & Game-Changing Moments: SA vs WI 3rd T20I 2026
South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 was a tactical chess game, amplified by weather. Let’s analyze the strategies and pivots.
Impact of Weather & DLS
Lightning reduced to 10 overs, making it “five overs powerplay, five death,” per Markram. DLS hiked target to 125, factoring WI’s par score.
WI benefited from early aggression; SA chased inflated.
Spin Dominance in Middle Overs
Hope smartly introduced spin after de Kock’s start. Motie’s variations (Chinaman) exploited Wanderers’ bounce.
SA used spin too (Maharaj, Linde), but WI punished: Maharaj 19 ECO.
Table: Spin vs Pace Economy
| Type | WI Economy | SA Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Spin | 10.75 (Motie, Hosein, Chase) | 13.75 (Maharaj, Markram, Linde) |
| Pace | 13.25 (Holder, Joseph) | 9.75 (Ngidi, Bosch, Maphaka) |
Death Bowling Heroics
Joseph’s yorkers: Bowled Smith, conceded 23 in over needing 16 (with extras/short run).
Bosch’s lengths for SA kept WI in check early death.
Dropped Catches & Fielding Lapses
WI’s third series drop: Brevis on 2. Costly? He added 15 more. Bosch drop in final: But short run hurt SA.
Relay catch on Brevis: Powell-Holder brilliance.
Powerplay vs Death Overs Comparison
Powerplay: WI 56/1 (11.2 RR), SA 31/1 (10.3 RR).
Death (last 4): WI 48/2, SA 55/2 but fell short.
Compared to series: SA chased easily before, but spin exposed middle.
World Cup prep: SA’s middle hit-out valuable; WI’s pressure execution key.
Full Series Review: South Africa vs West Indies T20I 2025/26 – South Africa Wins 2-1
The West Indies tour of South Africa 2025/26 T20I series was a rollercoaster, ending 2-1 for hosts.
Game 1 (Paarl): WI 173/6, SA 176/1 (9 wkts win). Markram 86*, Linde 3/25.
Game 2 (Centurion): WI 221/5, SA 225/3 (7 wkts). De Kock 115, Rickelton 77*.
Game 3: As above, WI win.
Top performers table:
| Most Runs | Player | Mat | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 4s/6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimron Hetmyer (WI) | 3 | 171 | 75 | 85.50 | 178.12 | 13/12 | |
| Quinton de Kock (SA) | 2 | 143 | 115 | 71.50 | 226.98 | 10/11 | |
| Ryan Rickelton (SA) | 3 | 132 | 77* | 132.00 | 176.00 | 10/7 | |
| Aiden Markram (SA) | 3 | 103 | 86* | 51.50 | 163.49 | 10/4 | |
| Brandon King (WI) | 2 | 76 | 49 | 38.00 | 165.21 | 10/4 |
| Most Wickets | Player | Mat | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keshav Maharaj (SA) | 3 | 5 | 2/22 | 20.80 | 10.40 | 12.00 | |
| George Linde (SA) | 2 | 3 | 3/25 | 11.33 | 5.66 | 12.00 | |
| Gudakesh Motie (WI) | 1 | 3 | 3/17 | 5.66 | 8.50 | 4.00 | |
| Akeal Hosein (WI) | 3 | 3 | 2/41 | 32.33 | 10.77 | 18.00 | |
| Corbin Bosch (SA) | 2 | 2 | 2/35 | 25.50 | 8.50 | 18.00 |
H2H in SA: SA dominant recently, but WI’s 2023 win shows competitiveness.
Road to T20 World Cup 2026: What This Series Tells Us for India & Sri Lanka
The T20 World Cup 2026 (Feb 7–Mar 8, India/Sri Lanka) looms. 20 teams, groups stage, super eights, semis, final at Narendra Modi Stadium.
SA: Momentum from series win. De Kock in form, middle tested. Challenges: Spin on subcontinent pitches (Eden Gardens, Premadasa).
WI: Morale from win. Spin (Motie, Hosein) strong for India. Hetmyer’s fluency key.
Predictions: SA top contenders; WI dark horses.
Venues: Wankhede, Chepauk, Colombo.
South Africa vs West Indies 2nd T20I 2026 Recap.
Final Thoughts
What a match! South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 had it all. Share your favorite moment in comments. For more cricket news, subscribe to IPL Star. Check T20 World Cup schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026
- Who won the South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026? West Indies pulled off a thrilling 6-run victory via the DLS method in the rain-affected match at The Wanderers Stadium on January 31, 2026. South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 This consolation win gave West Indies a 1-2 series finish on their tour of South Africa 2026.
- What was the final result of SA vs WI 3rd T20I 2026 at Wanderers? West Indies posted 114/3 in 10 overs (Shai Hope 48, Shimron Hetmyer 48*). South Africa were set a revised DLS target of 125 and finished on 118/6, falling 6 runs short in a dramatic rain-shortened thriller.
- Who was Player of the Match in South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026? South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Gudakesh Motie was named Player of the Match for his outstanding figures of 3/17 in 2 overs, dismantling South Africa’s middle order with wickets of Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and Dewald Brevis.
- What are the key South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 highlights? South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Highlights include Shimron Hetmyer’s six sixes in his unbeaten 48 off 22 balls, Quinton de Kock’s explosive 19-run first over, Gudakesh Motie’s double-wicket over, and Shamar Joseph’s match-sealing yorkers in the final over.
- How did rain and DLS affect the Wanderers South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 result January 31 2026? Lightning delays reduced the game from a full T20I to 16 overs, then to 10 overs per side. South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 The DLS method adjusted South Africa’s target to 125, rewarding West Indies’ aggressive powerplay and ultimately deciding the 6-run DLS method win for West Indies.
- What were Gudakesh Motie bowling figures in South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026? South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Gudakesh Motie returned career-best T20I figures of 3/17 in 2 overs (economy 8.50), taking crucial wickets that shifted momentum during South Africa’s chase.
- How many runs did Shimron Hetmyer score in South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026? South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Shimron Hetmyer smashed an unbeaten 48 off just 22 balls, including 6 sixes and 1 four, finishing the innings with a massive strike rate of 218.18 and topping the series run charts with 171 runs.
- Who won the Player of the Series in West Indies tour of South Africa 2026? Quinton de Kock was named Player of the Series for his 143 runs across two innings, highlighted by a century (115) in the second T20I.
- What are the T20 World Cup 2026 implications from SA vs WI series? South Africa gained momentum and middle-order exposure ahead of the February 7–March 8 tournament in India and Sri Lanka. West Indies received a morale boost, with their spin attack (Motie, Hosein) and Hetmyer’s form signalling strong subcontinent preparation.
- Why was the West Indies tour of South Africa 2026 series result 2-1 to South Africa? South Africa dominated the first two matches with convincing chasing victories (9 wickets and 7 wickets). West Indies claimed a consolation win in the rain-hit 3rd T20I, finishing the series 2-1 to the hosts.