West Indies vs. South Africa Match 2: Do-or-die for under-fire Windies, as South Africa inch closer to series win

Jan 29, 2026 Sports

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2026 West Indies tour of South Africa T20I 3-Match Series

– Former players call out team selection

Kaieteur Sports – Following the 9-wicket thrashing, an under-fire West Indies team will look to keep the series alive and regain some momentum, as pressure back home continues to mount with more ex-players continuing to call out the team’s direction ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The South African players, fresh off their SA20 tournament continued their form against an out-of-sorts West Indian side, handing the visitors a 9-wicket thumping to set up what could be the series for them come today.

Game one witnessed the Windies being outplayed in all the necessary departments, with the bowling attack lacking the sting needed to ruffle the likes of top-scorer Aiden Markram and his men, who had their way with the bowlers.

With skipper Roston Chase being the only bowler to claim a wicket, today’s final XI, more so the bowling attack will need to be assessed quickly.

With Gudakesh Motie out, Chase and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who went wicket-less, remain front-line slow bowling options.

One huge worry especially with the T20 World Cup around the corner, is a premier pace option or two. Matthew Forde, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, who recently returned from injury, and Jayden Seals have proved to be ineffective thus far.

Windies dropping fast-bowling all-rounder Shamar Springer despite a good series against Afghanistan, could be a huge mistake given his ability as a clean lower-order striker.

Also, with no Alzarri Joseph at the moment, West Indies will be clutching at straws as they try to figure out the best options, not only for the Cup but as they seek to keep the series alive against a dangerous South African batting order.

Markram remains the key, fresh off his 86 not out and two near-century partnerships with Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Ryan Rickelton; who both hit scores of 40 or more during the first game.

One key player to not have a bat is Dewald Brevis, arguably their best T20 batsman and the X-Factor for the Proteas batting.

Should Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, all-rounder George Linde fire in their usual cylinders, West Indies could likely chase a 200-run target if they happen to bowl first.

Today’s match could also see the addition of Quinton de Kock, speedsters Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi to the XI having been rested for the opener.

West Indies batting looked suspect with a number of former players around the Caribbean calling for the head of Johnson Charles among others ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Charles has yet to fire for the team despite being among the senior bunch of players recalled for this series and possibly the Cup.

The Windies’ failed experiment of batting pacer Matthew Forde at 3, ahead of Sherfane Rutheford, Romario Shepherd and even Jason Holder was mind-boggling.

Rutherford, who was in the top 5 for scorers in the SA20, should easily be given a free role as a makeshift opener alongside Brandon King or even come in at 3.

Shimron Hetmyer looks to be regaining confidence but will need to play better shots especially after missing out on two recent half-centuries.

Windies could also look to slot in Guyanese Quentin Sampson at the top of the order, a position he gained success and selection from after a few fifties in the previous edition of the Republic Bank CPL.

Shai Hope should also play in today’s XI, resuming his role as skipper and keeper while bringing tons to batting as well as possibly freeing Charles from the gloves and opening another spot to swap in a Sampson or Keacy Carty.

If the West Indies lose, the aftermath ahead of the Cup could be catastrophic, especially with the recent chatter from a number of ex- players, coaches and pundits weighing in on the Mason and Guests Show about the lackluster performances as well as the team’s selection.

Speaking recently on the show, former Windies and Trinidad pacer Tony Gray, called out the selection of Charles saying he believes the opener has seen his best days.

“I’m not happy with Johnson Charles, I think he’s past his best,” Gray noted, as he highlighted during the last T20I World Cup held in the Caribbean, Charles was dropped because of his form.

Gray noted that solid left-hander Amir Jangoo could have been a good option over Charles as he believes the opener “Doesn’t deserve to be there”.

Meanwhile, another ex- West Indies player, Philo Wallace echoed similar views regarding the selection of Charles, as well as Sampson, who he said he is not too familiar with but has seen a little of him in Abu Dhabi and remains unimpressed.

Both players believed Springer, a player who has helped raise the stock of West Indies T20 cricket and Man-of-the-match in the last T20I against Afghanistan with 4 wickets, some handy runs and a few catches during a time the Windies looked sloppy in the field; should have been selected.

Wallace also said while Hetmyer scored runs in the first game, it was for a losing cause, adding that the left-hander has let “Us” (West Indies) down tremendously. (Clifton Ross)

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• Aiden Markram, Johnson Charles, Shamar Springer, T20, West Indies vs South Africa

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