This article will talk about the probable XIs for both teams and continue with the Dream11 predictions and the winning fantasy team for the 1st T20I between West Indies and South Africa that is scheduled to take place on the 26th of June 2021.
The long T20 season in the Caribbean will kick off on Saturday at the National Cricket Stadium, Grenada when the hosts West Indies take on the South African team led by Temba Bavuma in the 1st of the 5-match T20I series. The reigning T20 World Champions Windies led by Kieron Pollard won their last T20I series 2-1 back in March against Sri Lanka.
South Africa, on the other hand, lost 3-1 to Pakistan at home in their last series, albeit with a depleted side. Both sides will be eyeing this set of games as a preparation for the ICC World T20 and to get their combinations right.
Match Details
Venue: National Cricket Stadium, Grenada
Pitch and Weather: The only T20I at this venue saw over 400 runs being scored between West Indies and Ireland back in 2020. So this pitch could be another good one to bat on and we can expect a high-scoring game in the 1st T20I. Rain is forecasted almost throughout the week and we may see the weather play a spoilsport in the game. The temperature will hover around 26-27 C.
Date and time: June 26, 2021, 2.00 PM Local, 11.30 PM IST
The Probable Playing XIs
South Africa will welcome their star players David Miller, Quinton Kock, and the pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi who missed the T20I series against Pakistan for participating in IPL 2021. But with their return, all the 5 may feature in playing XI. Skipper Bavuma picked up an injury and didn’t feature in the Test series. We have to see whether he is fully fit.
West Indies, too will be having their strongest team at their disposal for the series. The likes of Andre Russell, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo will be available for selection in their T20 home summer.
West Indies– Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis , Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Fabien Allen, Jason Holder/ Fidel Edwards, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jnr
South Africa- Temba Bavuma/ Janneman Malan/ Aiden Markram , Quinton de Kock, Rassie Van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo/ Dwaine Pretorius, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
Match Prediction
Despite losing the Test series, the West Indies will start as favorites going into this game. They have in their ranks some of the finest T20 players and are completely a different set-up when it comes to the shorter formats. South Africa, on the other side, is not in the best of forms when it comes to the shorter formats recently.
Fantasy Tips
Batsman – Evin Lewis is among the best batsman in T20I cricket and is ranked 13th in the ICC rankings. The left-hander has the capability to play a destructive inning in the top-order. The impressive Rassie Van der Dussen is another player that can be picked. He has been amongst runs in the ODI and T20I format for SA in the recent Pakistan series. Another young batsman Shimron Hetmyer shall be selected from the West Indies. Like Lewis, this left-hander too has the ability to score quick runs.
Wicket-keeper– The wicket-keepers of both sides can be an ideal choice as a keeper-batsman in your fantasy team. De Kock was in exceptional form in the recent Test series against West Indies while Pooran is a match-winner on his day.
All-rounder– West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard is an obvious selection in the fantasy team as an all-rounder. He was in tremendous form in the recently concluded IPL for Mumbai and even hit 6 sixes in an over in the series against SL earlier this year. Along with him, the returning Andre Russell can be selected. If he isn’t playing then either Fabien Allen or Jason Holder can be picked.
Bowlers– The duo of Anrich Nortje and Rabada is in great form both in the IPL as well in the recent Test series that they played. Along with them, the no.1 ranked T20I bowler Shamsi can also be picked. Dwayne Bravo, the most capped T20 player is a good addition as well for his all round capabilities.
Captaincy Choices
Team for Fantasy: Quinton De Kock, Evin Lewis, Rassie Van der Dussen, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
Captain– Quinton De Kock
The wicket-keeper batsman and former SA captain showed great form in the last couple of months. Also, he is an opener who can play long innings. So he will be the best pick for the captain in this match.
Vice-captain: Kieron Pollard
Quinton’s teammate from Mumbai Indians Pollard will be an ideal vice-captain of the fantasy side. He contributes to every aspect of the game.
Dream11 Team
