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The West Indies are gearing up to host South Africa for a three-match T20I series starting on Thursday (May 23) at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Brandon King will lead the side in the absence of regular captain Rovman Powell, who, along with other key cricketers, is currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Additionally, seasoned campaigner Shai Hope and Brandon King have been given a rest ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.
West Indies’ recent performance
Currently ranked 6th in the ICC Men’s T20 Team Rankings, the West Indies have been a formidable force in the shortest format of the game. Their last T20I series against Australia in February this year ended in a 2-1 defeat, but the West Indies displayed resilience and competitiveness throughout the series, particularly noteworthy as it was an away series. Despite the loss, their strong performance indicates their potential to bounce back and perform well against South Africa.
Also READ: WI vs SA 2024, T20I Series: Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When & Where to watch in India, West Indies, South Africa & UK
West Indies’ top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against South Africa:
1. Brandon King (c)
- Role: Opening Batter
- Strengths: Aggressive opener with the ability to give the team quick starts.
- Captaincy: Leading the side in the absence of regular captain Rovman Powell.
- Experience: Has shown consistency in T20s and can anchor the innings if needed.
2. Johnson Charles
- Role: Opening Batter/ Wicketkeeper
- Strengths: Explosive batter known for his power-hitting ability.
- Experience: Veteran player with experience in T20 leagues around the world.
- Partnership Potential: Can form a dynamic opening partnership with Brandon King.
3. Kyle Mayers
- Role: Top-order Batter
- Strengths: Left-handed batter who can accelerate the scoring rate.
- Bowling: Provides a useful medium-pace bowling option.
- Versatility: Can bat at various positions and adapt to different match situations.
4. Alick Athanaze
- Role: Middle-order Batter
- Strengths: Promising young talent with a solid technique.
- Consistency: Known for his ability to play under pressure.
- Future Prospect: Seen as a potential future star for West Indies cricket
5. Roston Chase
- Role: All-rounder
- Strengths: Reliable middle-order batter and handy off-spinner.
- Stability: Can anchor the innings and stabilize the middle order.
- Fielding: Excellent fielder with good catching ability.
6. Jason Holder
- Role: All-rounder
- Strengths: Experienced all-rounder with contributions in both batting and bowling.
- Leadership: Former captain with a wealth of experience.
- Bowling: Provides crucial breakthroughs with the ball, especially in middle overs
7. Romario Shepherd
- Role: All-rounder
- Strengths: Hard-hitting lower-order batter and effective seam bowler.
- Finisher: Known for finishing innings strongly with the bat.
- Death Bowling: Reliable option for bowling in the death overs
8. Akeal Hosein
- Role: Left-arm Spinner
- Strengths: Economical bowler with wicket-taking ability in the powerplay.
- Batting: Can contribute useful runs lower down the order.
- Fielding: Agile fielder with safe hands
9. Obed McCoy
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strengths: Skilled in bowling variations, particularly slower balls.
- Death Overs: Effective in the death overs with his change of pace.
- Strike Bowler: Can take crucial wickets at important stages of the game
10. Gudakesh Motie
- Role: Left-arm Spinner
- Strengths: Accurate and economical spinner.
- Control: Provides control in the middle overs.
- Wicket-taking: Has the ability to take key wickets
11. Shamar Joseph
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strengths: Young pacer with raw pace and potential.
- Bowling: Can provide early breakthroughs with the new ball.
- Future Prospect: Developing talent with the potential to become a key bowler for West Indies
