West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 is the blockbuster everyone has been waiting for. Two unbeaten powerhouses collide in the 47th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 26.
Proteas fans, imagine your pace battery dismantling Caribbean firepower. Caribbean supporters, picture Shimron Hetmyer launching sixes into the massive stands. This is not just another Super 8 game — it feels like a semi-final already.
West Indies top Group 1 with 2 points and a staggering +5.350 NRR after crushing Zimbabwe by 107 runs. South Africa sit right behind with 2 points and +3.800 NRR following their 76-run demolition of India. Both teams are 6-0 in the tournament. One slip here could hurt NRR badly, but a big win virtually books a semi-final spot.
This West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 encounter pits Caribbean flair and six-hitting madness against South African discipline, world-class pace and middle-order steel. On a true, high-scoring Ahmedabad pitch, expect 190+ totals and pure entertainment.
The venue’s 132,000 capacity will be rocking under lights. Fans from both nations have travelled in huge numbers. This is cricket at its absolute best — passion, power and pride on the line.
Match Details, Timings & Broadcast Guide
West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026
- Match: 47th Match, Super 8 Group 1 (X3 v X4)
- Date: February 26, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM IST (Local Ahmedabad time) / 9:30 AM GMT / 11:30 AM SAST / 5:30 AM AST (Caribbean)
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India
- Format: T20 International (day-night)
Toss Timing: Around 2:30 PM IST. Captain winning the toss will likely bat first given the venue’s strong batting-first record (65-70% wins), though light evening dew could tempt bowling first.
How to Watch in India:
- TV: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, 1 Hindi, 2, etc.)
- Streaming: JioCinema / JioHotstar (free on mobile app)
International Broadcasters:
- South Africa: SuperSport
- Caribbean: Flow Sports / ESPN Caribbean
- UK: Sky Sports Cricket
- USA: ESPN+ / Willow TV
- Australia: Amazon Prime Video
- Global: ICC.tv (where available)
Ball-by-ball commentary on radio apps and official ICC platforms.
This timing suits both Indian and international fans perfectly — prime evening slot in India, morning for South Africa and Europe, late night/early morning for the Caribbean diaspora.
Table: Time Zones for West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026
| Region | Local Time |
|---|---|
| India (IST) | 3:00 PM |
| South Africa (SAST) | 11:30 AM |
| UK (GMT) | 9:30 AM |
| Caribbean (AST) | 5:30 AM |
| USA (ET) | 4:30 AM |
| Australia (AEDT) | 8:00 PM |
Expected finish: 6:30–7:00 PM IST. No rain expected — perfect conditions.
Narendra Modi Stadium – Complete Venue Guide & Records
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the world’s largest cricket venue with a jaw-dropping capacity of 132,000. Formerly known as Sardar Patel Stadium, it was redeveloped into a modern marvel that hosted the 2023 ODI World Cup final. It serves as home to Gujarat Titans in the IPL and regularly delivers electric atmospheres, especially for day-night games when the floodlights turn the massive stands into a cauldron.
Ends: Adani Pavilion End and GMDC End. The Adani Pavilion End offers slightly better batting conditions early, while the GMDC End can assist pacers with a hint of breeze later.
Atmosphere for West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026: Expect a sea of orange (South Africa) and maroon (West Indies) flags. The Gujarat crowd loves big hitting, so Caribbean fans will feel at home, but Proteas supporters will roar every time Rabada or Nortje strikes.
T20I Stats at Narendra Modi Stadium (Updated to Feb 2026)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 15-16 |
| Won Batting First | 10-11 (65-70%) |
| Won Bowling First | 5 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 173-183 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 148-152 |
| Highest Total | 234/4 (IND vs NZ, 2023) |
| Lowest Total | 66 (NZ vs IND, 2023) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 178/3 (SA vs NZ, 2026 WC) |
| Pacers’ Wicket Share | ~68-69% |
| Spinners’ Wicket Share | ~31% |
Memorable moments: India’s 234/4 masterclass, South Africa’s clinical 178/3 chase in this very tournament, and multiple 200+ totals in IPL games. The black-soil pitch gives true bounce and carry, perfect for stroke-makers and express pacers.
Proteas fans who remember South Africa’s successful chase here in the 2026 World Cup will be confident. Caribbean supporters who love big boundaries (the stadium has some of the longest in India) know their batsmen will feast. This venue has hosted thrilling T20 World Cup games before and is set to deliver another classic in the West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 clash.
The stadium’s facilities are top-class — massive screens, excellent sightlines, and food options galore. Tickets are selling fast via BookMyShow and official ICC channels (₹200–₹5000+). VIP hospitality packages remain available for those wanting the full experience.
Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Dew Factor & Conditions Analysis
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is a batter’s paradise with black-soil base. It offers excellent carry and true bounce in the first 10-12 overs, making it ideal for power-hitters. It can slow slightly in the middle overs, giving spinners some grip, but pacers still take the majority of wickets (68%+).
Expected Behaviour for West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026
- First 6 overs: True bounce, easy stroke-play, boundaries flow.
- Middle overs: Slight grip for spinners like Motie or Maharaj.
- Death overs: Pace variations and yorkers crucial — death-over specialists will shine.
- Total expected: 180-210+ very likely.
Weather Forecast – February 26, 2026 (Ahmedabad)
| Time Period | Temperature | Condition | Humidity | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day (3 PM) | 34-36°C | Sunny | 21-30% | 0% |
| Evening (6 PM) | 24-26°C | Clear | 30-40% | 0% |
| Night | 21-22°C | Clear | 35-45% | 0% |
Wind: Light (5-10 km/h). Perfect cricket weather — no interruptions expected.
Dew Factor Analysis: Low to moderate. February in Ahmedabad is dry. First innings under bright sun (dry ball). Second innings under lights after sunset (~6:40 PM) may see light dew, making the ball skid on and favour batters chasing. However, it is not extreme like humid venues. Chasing teams get a slight advantage, but venue stats still favour batting first overall (65-70% wins).
Favourable Conditions:
- Power-hitters (Hetmyer, Powell, Miller, Stubbs) will love the true surface.
- Death-over pacers (Rabada, Jansen, Nortje, Joseph, Shepherd) get excellent carry.
- Spinners need variations and clever changes of pace.
South African pace battery will enjoy the bounce. Caribbean six-hitters will target the shorter boundaries. This West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 game is tailor-made for a high-scoring classic.
Temperature Timeline Table (Feb 26)
| Hour | Temp (°C) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 PM (Toss) | 35 | Sunny |
| 3:00 PM (Start) | 34 | Sunny |
| 5:00 PM | 28 | Clear |
| 7:00 PM | 23 | Clear + lights |
West Indies Squad Analysis, Probable XI & Tactical Blueprint
Full West Indies Squad: Shai Hope † (c), Johnson Charles †, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
Probable Playing XI (with reasoning):
- Brandon King – Aggressive opener, proven in powerplays.
- Shai Hope (c & wk) – Anchors innings, excellent against pace.
- Shimron Hetmyer – Explosive No.3, 449 runs @ 189 SR in tournament.
- Rovman Powell – Middle-order destroyer.
- Sherfane Rutherford – Finisher, power down the order.
- Roston Chase / Jason Holder – All-round balance, spin or pace option.
- Romario Shepherd – Death-over specialist.
- Akeal Hosein – Left-arm spin control.
- Gudakesh Motie – 13 wickets @ 7.82 econ, key spinner.
- Matthew Forde – 10 wickets @ 6.79 econ, economical seamer.
- Jayden Seales / Shamar Joseph – Express pace.
In-Depth Player Analysis (expanded for depth):
Shimron Hetmyer has been the star — 449 runs at 56 avg and 189 SR. The left-hander’s ability to accelerate from ball one makes him a nightmare for any attack. Caribbean fans love his fearless approach. Against SA’s pace, he will look to take on Rabada early.
Brandon King (244 runs @ 128 SR) provides the perfect foil — classical yet aggressive. His opening stands with Hope have set explosive platforms.
Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford form a lethal middle-order. Powell’s power against spin and Rutherford’s finishing make WI dangerous from overs 11-20.
Bowling Strengths: Gudakesh Motie (13 wkts) and Akeal Hosein control the middle overs. Matthew Forde’s economy is superb. Death bowlers Shepherd and Joseph/Shamar Joseph bring variations and yorkers.
Tactical Blueprint vs SA:
- Bat first if toss won — post 200+.
- Target SA’s middle order with spin.
- Use short balls against de Kock and Markram.
- Exploit any early dew if bowling second by bowling full and straight.
West Indies faithful, this is your team’s moment to show the world why they are the most entertaining side in T20 cricket. Their unbeaten run (Group C 4-0 +1.874 NRR + Super 8 win) shows they mean business.
South Africa Squad Analysis, Probable XI & Tactical Blueprint
Full South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock †, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton †, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs.
Probable Playing XI:
- Quinton de Kock (wk) – Explosive opener.
- Aiden Markram (c) – Consistent No.3/4.
- Tristan Stubbs / Dewald Brevis – Aggressive middle order.
- David Miller – Mr. 360 finisher.
- Marco Jansen – All-round impact.
- Corbin Bosch – Seam all-rounder.
- Keshav Maharaj – Spin control.
- Kagiso Rabada – Pace leader.
- Anrich Nortje – Express speed.
- Lungi Ngidi – Variations.
- George Linde – Left-arm spin option.
Player Profiles:
Quinton de Kock (333 runs @ 165 SR) remains a T20 beast. His powerplay dominance sets the tone.
Aiden Markram (352 runs @ 44 avg, 163 SR) is the glue — elegant yet destructive. As captain, his leadership has been key to SA’s unbeaten run.
David Miller — the finisher every team fears. Experience of 100+ T20s shines in crunch moments.
Bowling Battery: Marco Jansen (13 wkts @ 9.21 econ but 12.38 SR), Corbin Bosch (12 wkts @ 7.33), Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi form one of the best pace attacks in the world. Death-over execution is clinical.
Keshav Maharaj and George Linde provide spin balance.
Tactical Blueprint vs WI:
- Bowl first if dew expected — use pace variations.
- Target WI’s middle order with short balls.
- Restrict powerplay with Rabada/Nortje.
- Miller and Stubbs to finish chases.
Proteas die-hards, your team’s resilience and bowling depth make them slight favourites. Their Group D 4-0 (+1.943 NRR) and Super 8 win over India prove they are ready for the big stage.
Players to Watch – In-Depth Profiles & Match-Ups
Top 8 Players for West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026:
- Shimron Hetmyer (WI) – 449 runs, 189 SR. Match-up vs Rabada: Hetmyer loves pace; expect fireworks.
- Quinton de Kock (SA) – 333 runs, 165 SR. Vs Motie: Spin vs left-hander — crucial battle.
- Aiden Markram (SA) – 352 runs, 163 SR. Anchors and accelerates.
- Brandon King (WI) – Explosive starts.
- Marco Jansen (SA) – 13 wkts. Tall left-armer troubles right-handers.
- Gudakesh Motie (WI) – 13 wkts. Controls middle.
- David Miller (SA) – Finisher supreme.
- Rovman Powell (WI) – Power vs pace.
Key Match-Up Boxes
- Hetmyer vs Rabada: Caribbean hearts race when these two face off.
- de Kock vs Motie: Spin vs lefty — game within a game.
- Powell vs Jansen: Power vs bounce.
- Miller vs Shepherd: Experience vs youth.
These players will decide the West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 outcome.
Head-to-Head Records, Historical Context & Recent Encounters
Overall T20Is: ~28 matches, West Indies ~15 wins, South Africa ~13 wins — incredibly even.
Last 5 Matches Table (as per latest data):
| Date | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Jan 2026 | West Indies | 6 runs (DLS) |
| 29 Jan 2026 | South Africa | 7 wkts |
| 27 Jan 2026 | South Africa | 9 wkts |
| 28 Aug 2024 | West Indies | 8 wkts (DLS) |
| 26 Aug 2024 | West Indies | 30 runs |
Recent Jan 2026 series: SA won 2-1, but WI showed fight. In T20 World Cups, WI have historically edged SA.
Emotional context: Both nations have heartbreak stories in global events, but 2026 is their redemption arc. This West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 adds another chapter to a fierce rivalry.
Recent Form, Tournament Journey & Momentum Analysis
South Africa Recent: W W W W W W (unbeaten). Group D: 4-0 +1.943 NRR. Super 8: 76-run win vs India.
Key moments: Clinical chases, pace dominance.
West Indies Recent: W W W W W W. Group C: 4-0 +1.874 NRR. Super 8: 107-run win vs Zimbabwe (254/6).
Momentum: Both sky-high. WI’s batting explosion vs SA’s bowling control — perfect clash.
Why This Match Matters, Tactical Battles & Expert Insights
Group 1: WI leads on NRR, SA close behind. Winner almost guarantees semi-final. Heavy defeat hurts NRR badly.
Key Tactical Battles:
- Pace vs Power (SA attack vs WI top order)
- Spin vs Middle Order
- Death Overs Execution
A win here means pride, NRR boost and semi-final spot. This West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 is effectively a quarterfinal.
Winning Prediction, Probable Scorelines & Conclusion
South Africa slight favourites (55-45) due to superior bowling depth and recent series win over WI. But West Indies’ power-hitting on this pitch gives massive upset potential.
Probable Scorelines:
- If WI bat first: 195-210, SA chase in 18-19 overs.
- If SA bat first: 185-200, WI chase or defend narrowly.
Expect 200+ total and a thriller decided in the last 3 overs.
Cricket fans, this West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 clash is why we love the game. Two unbeaten giants, massive venue, perfect conditions — pure entertainment guaranteed.
Who are you backing? Drop your prediction in the comments below on IPL Star blog. Tune in, enjoy the spectacle and let the Super 8 battle begin!
ESPNcricinfo match page.
FAQs for “West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026”
Q1: When is the West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 47th Match Super 8? The blockbuster West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 clash (47th Match, Super 8 Group 1) is scheduled for 26 February 2026 at 3:00 PM IST (9:30 AM GMT) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Q2: What is the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch report 2026 for WI vs SA? The black-soil pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium offers true bounce and excellent carry in the first 10-12 overs. Expect 180-210+ totals in this West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 match. Pacers take ~68% wickets; batting first wins 65-70% of T20Is here.
Q3: Who will win West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 – prediction? South Africa are slight favourites (52-48) for the WI vs SA 47th Match Super 8 due to superior pace depth and recent 2-1 series win. However, West Indies’ explosive batting (Hetmyer 189 SR) gives massive upset potential on this high-scoring Ahmedabad pitch.
Q4: What are the squads and probable XI for West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026? West Indies: Shai Hope (c/wk), Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde + others. South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Corbin Bosch + others. Full probable XIs and analysis in the guide above.
Q5: How to watch West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 live streaming in India, South Africa & Caribbean? India: Star Sports TV + JioCinema (free). South Africa: SuperSport. Caribbean: Flow Sports. Global: ICC.tv. Toss at 2:30 PM IST.
Q6: What is the head-to-head record in West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 context? In 28 T20Is, West Indies lead 15-13. Recent Jan 2026 series: SA won 2-1. In World Cups, WI have historically edged SA. Full H2H tables inside the preview.
Q7: What is the weather and dew factor for WI vs SA at Narendra Modi Stadium on 26 Feb 2026? Sunny 34-36°C day, clear 21-22°C night, 0% rain, low-moderate humidity. Light dew possible after sunset (~6:40 PM) but not game-changing. Perfect conditions for the West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 thriller.
Q8: Who are the key players to watch in West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026? Shimron Hetmyer (449 runs @ 189 SR), Quinton de Kock (333 runs @ 165 SR), Aiden Markram (352 runs @ 163 SR), Marco Jansen (13 wkts), Gudakesh Motie (13 wkts). Detailed match-up boxes in the article.
Q9: How does the WI vs SA 47th Match Super 8 affect Group 1 standings? Winner virtually books a semi-final spot. West Indies currently lead with +5.350 NRR; South Africa +3.800 NRR. A big win boosts net run rate significantly in this unbeaten clash.
Q10: Why is Narendra Modi Stadium perfect for West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026? West Indies vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 World’s largest venue (132,000 capacity), batting-first friendly (65-70% wins), average 1st innings 173-183, longest boundaries for six-hitting — ideal for a high-scoring Caribbean flair vs Proteas pace battle.