The first match of the T20 World Cup 2026 is being played today between West Indies and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. Team India is also keeping an eye on this match, because its result will decide India’s future in the tournament. India would like South Africa to win. After winning the toss, South Africa has decided to bowl first.

South Africa’s playing 11

Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jensen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

West Indies playing 11

Brandon King, Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Ford, Gudakesh Moti, Shamar Joseph.

The West Indies vs South Africa match to be held today in the T20 World Cup is very important, because if West Indies wins then India’s chances of going to the semi-finals will be very less. West Indies are currently on top in Group 1, the team has 2 points and a net run rate of +5.350. South Africa’s net run rate is +3.800, they also have 2 points.

The role of toss is going to be important in Narendra Modi Stadium. It is an afternoon match, so the decision to win the toss and bat first may prove to be correct. Chasing the target may be a bit difficult here. Both the last matches here have been won by the team batting first.

West Indies vs South Africa Head to Head

• Total matches: 26
• West Indies won: 14
• South Africa won: 12

Semi-final ticket of the winning team confirmed

West Indies or South Africa, whichever team wins today will secure its semi-final ticket. But India would like South Africa to win, because if West Indies wins then India’s chances of going ahead will be negligible.

West Indies vs South Africa match will start at 3 pm. The toss will take place at 2:30 pm. The match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be on JioHotstar app and website.

West Indies and South Africa squad

West Indies: Shai Hope (captain), Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Moti, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Brandon King.

South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Marco Yanson, Dewald Brewis, Tristan Stubbs, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Jason Smith, Enrique Norkhia, Kwena Mafaka.

Two matches will be played today in the T20 World Cup 2026. Team India faces Zimbabwe, but before that, West Indies vs South Africa is special. This will affect India’s equation. Suryakumar Yadav and team will support South Africa today, because if West Indies wins then India’s chances of going to the semi-finals will be very less. Then only a miracle will be able to take Team India forward.

Group 1 of the T20 World Cup Super-8 was called Group of Death, because all four teams playing in it were the toppers of their group in the league stage. West Indies and South Africa are riding on a winning streak, both the teams are winning five consecutive matches in the ongoing tournament. Today the winning streak of one team will stop, Team India would like West Indies to lose today. Let us tell you who has the upper hand in T20 head to head, South Africa or West Indies.

West Indies vs South Africa Head to Head (T20)

West Indies and South Africa have faced each other 26 times so far in T20 International. Head to head figures are also going to trouble India, because West Indies has won more matches. West Indies has defeated South Africa 14 times out of 26, South Africa won 12 matches. However, the margin of victory is not very much, hence it can be said that there is equal competition between the two.

What time does the West Indies vs South Africa match start?

The match between West Indies and South Africa will start today (26 February) at 3 pm. The toss will take place at 2:30 pm.

Where will the West Indies vs South Africa match take place?

The match between West Indies and South Africa will be played at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. South Africa had defeated India on this ground. Team India would like South Africa to win even today.

Where to watch West Indies vs South Africa match live?

The matches of T20 World Cup 2026 are being telecast live on the channels of Star Sports Network. Live streaming of West Indies vs South Africa match will be on JioHotstar app and website.