South Africa thrash Windies in key warm-up for T20 World Cup
South Africa has put the world on notice, with a blistering victory over the West Indies in a key T20 international tune-up that sent a warning ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next month.
Captain Aiden Markram struck an unbeaten 86 as the Proteas chased down 174 with nine wickets in hand and 13 balls to spare at Boland Park, Paarl, in a performance that showcased both batting firepower and bowling discipline.
The emphatic win will boost South Africa’s confidence as they finalise preparations for the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, where they open their campaign against Canada in Ahmedabad.
Injuries to Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira means Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have been drafted into the squad, with batting mainstay David Miller’s availability kept under close watch due to a fitness issue.
Cricket betting sites have installed South Africa among the stronger contenders in the tournament, with Betway.co.za (betway review) listing them around 7.00 to win the title outright — a mark that places them behind heavyweights India and Australia but well in contention.
In the group stage, South Africa face New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE, a pool they are favoured to navigate into the Super 8s, though conditions in the sub-continent and potential for upsets in T20 cricket, mean nothing will be taken for granted.
The Proteas are 2.20 favourites to advance through Group D, narrowly ahead of the Kiwis, who are priced at 2.25.
Critics say consistency remains key; while the West Indies win was impressive, South Africa’s form has fluctuated in recent limited-overs assignments and the squad will need all its experience firing to go deep.
South Africa ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), David Miller*, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs.
