WI vs SA 2nd T20I 2024 Match Preview

The 1st match of the South Africa tour of West Indies for T20I 2024 saw an exciting combat in Trinidad on Friday which the home team won by 7 wickets. The stage is set for the second of three T20 matches. The Proteas will hope to bounce back to secure victory over their opponent.

WI vs SA 2nd T20I 2024: Match Details

Time: Aug 26, 12:30 AM IST | Aug 25, 3 PM Local & 7 PM GMT

Venue: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad

WI vs SA 2nd T20I 2024: Head-to-Heads

The head-to-head results between South Africa and West Indies in T20 Internationals (T20Is) indicate a closely contested rivalry, with both teams securing notable victories over the years. The West Indies has been slightly more dominant, winning 12 of the 24 T20I matches played between them, while South Africa has won 12.

In their recent encounters, the West Indies have shown a stronger performance, especially during the May 2024 series in the West Indies, where they completed a 3-0 sweep against South Africa. The West Indies also claimed the 2022/23 series in South Africa, winning 2-1. These victories suggest a shift in momentum towards the West Indies in recent years, contrasting with earlier dominance by South Africa, such as their 3-2 series win in the West Indies in 2021.

WI vs SA 2nd T20I 2024: Squad news

In the upcoming second T20I between South Africa and West Indies, both teams might consider making a few changes to their lineups based on the performance in the first match.

South Africa

South Africa’s top-order batting struggled significantly, with key players like Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen failing to score heavily. Additionally, their bowlers, particularly Nandre Burger and Patrick Kruger, were quite expensive and lacked the necessary impact against the West Indies’ aggressive batting approach. To address these issues, South Africa might look to bring in Wiaan Mulder for either Patrick Kruger or Donovan Ferreira to strengthen the middle order and add another bowling option. In the bowling department, Lungi Ngidi or Lizaad Williams could replace Nandre Burger to bring more experience and control to the attack.

West Indies

On the other hand, West Indies had a strong performance, especially with Nicholas Pooran’s explosive batting and a solid display from their bowlers. Given their comprehensive win, they may not feel the need to make significant changes. However, if they want to manage player workloads or give opportunities to other squad members, they could consider rotating Johnson Charles or Shimron Hetmyer into the batting lineup in place of Alick Athanaze or Sherfane Rutherford. Similarly, Obed McCoy could be brought into the bowling attack if they wish to rest Romario Shepherd or Shamar Joseph.

WI vs SA 2nd T20I 2024: Possible Playing Eleven

South Africa

Ryan Rickelton (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira/Wiaan Mulder, Patrick Kruger/Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger/Lizaad Williams.

West indies

Shai Hope, Alick Athanaze, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell (C), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford/Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd/Obed McCoy, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph.

WI vs SA 2nd T20I 2024: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago is known to be favorable for bowlers, particularly pacers. It is often referred to as a “bowling pitch”. The surface tends to have good bounce and carry, making it challenging for batters to settle in, especially early in their innings.

The statistics from the last five T20Is at this venue highlight its bowling-friendly nature. The average score in these matches has been just 89 runs, indicating that batting has not been easy. A total of 54 wickets have fallen in these five games, with pacers taking a substantial share of them; 42 wickets compared to just 12 for spinners. This stark difference underscores the effectiveness of pace bowlers on this surface, as they are likely to extract seam movement and bounce, especially under overcast conditions.

Weather conditions also play a significant role at this venue, with rainy weather being a common factor. This can lead to moisture on the pitch, further aiding the fast bowlers and making it even more difficult for batters to score freely.

Over the last five years, teams winning the toss have preferred to bowl first 80% of the time. This trend suggests that captains believe there is an advantage in knowing the target while batting second, possibly due to the pitch becoming slightly easier to bat on as the game progresses or due to the likelihood of rain interruptions. Moreover, the statistics show that teams bowling first have won 62.5% of the matches, reinforcing the strategy of opting to chase at this venue.

WI vs SA 2nd T20I 2024: LIVE Telecast and LIVE Streaming Details

Where to Watch WI vs SA 2nd T20I 2024 in India?

Fans in India can watch the game on Fancode.