South Africa vs West Indies Prediction: Who Will Win SA vs WI 3rd T20 Match on 31st January 2026?
The South Africa vs West Indies prediction for the 3rd and final T20I of the series strongly points towards another high-scoring thriller at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 31 January 2026. Cricketwebs provide 100% match prediction tips for every cricket match, and this contest is particularly interesting as South Africa eye a clean whitewash, while West Indies fight to salvage pride.
South Africa have already sealed the series with back-to-back wins, the most emphatic coming in the second T20I where they chased a mammoth target of 222 runs in just 17.3 overs. That performance underlined their batting firepower, especially at high-altitude venues like Johannesburg where the ball travels quickly. Quinton de Kock’s sensational century at a strike rate above 230 and Ryan Rickelton’s explosive support act showcased just how destructive South Africa can be when they get going.
West Indies, despite posting 221 runs in the previous game, were left helpless by their bowling shortcomings. Their batters, led by Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford, have actually been in good form, but a lack of penetration and discipline with the ball has cost them dearly. At the Wanderers, where bowlers often struggle for control, execution becomes even more critical.
Historically, matches between these two sides at Johannesburg have been evenly split, which gives the visitors some hope. However, current form, confidence, and home advantage clearly favour the Proteas. Unless West Indies can produce a dramatic turnaround in their bowling performance, this South Africa vs West Indies prediction suggests another dominant outing from the hosts.
- South Africa have already won the series 2–0
- Quinton de Kock smashed a match-winning century in the 2nd T20I
- West Indies’ batting has fired, but bowling has let them down
- South Africa are favourites to complete a series whitewash
Match Details
| Match | SA vs WI, 3rd T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 31 January 2026 |
| Time | 9:30 PM |
| Venue | Wanderers Cricket Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Series | West Indies Tour of South Africa 2026 |
Team Preview
South Africa Preview
South Africa have been clinical throughout the series, especially with the bat. Their ability to chase down massive totals has demoralised the West Indies bowling attack. In the previous match, Quinton de Kock was simply unstoppable, scoring 115 off just 49 balls, while Ryan Rickelton continued his fine form with a blazing 77 off 36 deliveries. This opening combination has been South Africa’s biggest strength in the series.
The middle order, featuring Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, and Aiden Markram, adds further depth and explosiveness. Even if early wickets fall, South Africa have enough firepower to recover quickly and post or chase daunting totals.
Bowling, however, remains an area they would want to tighten up. While Keshav Maharaj was impressive with figures of 2/22, the pace attack of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Anrich Nortje was expensive. At the Wanderers, controlling lengths is crucial, and South Africa will be keen to improve their death-over execution.
With the series already in the bag, the Proteas might test their bench strength, but they are unlikely to compromise much as a whitewash is firmly on their agenda.
West Indies Preview
West Indies’ tour has been a tale of missed opportunities. Their batting has actually been competitive, with multiple players stepping up across matches. In the second T20I, Brandon King provided a solid start, Shimron Hetmyer played a fluent knock of 75, and Sherfane Rutherford continued his excellent form with a blistering 57 off just 24 balls. Scoring 221 runs should normally guarantee a win, but their bowlers failed to defend it.
Bowling has been the Achilles’ heel for the West Indies. Apart from Akeal Hosein, who picked up two wickets, the rest of the attack lacked consistency and control. Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd have struggled to contain runs at the death, while the pacers have failed to make early breakthroughs.
Captain Shai Hope will be hoping for a more disciplined bowling display in this final match. At the Wanderers, where even good balls can disappear, bowlers need clarity in plans and strong fielding support. If West Indies can strike early and apply pressure in the middle overs, they have the batting firepower to challenge South Africa.
Team Squads
South Africa Squad:
Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje
West Indies Squad:
Brandon King, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein
Probable Playing XI
South Africa: Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein
South Africa vs West Indies Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Shimron Hetmyer |
| All-rounders | Marco Jansen, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder |
| Bowlers | Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Akeal Hosein, Anrich Nortje |
| Wicketkeeper | Quinton de Kock |
This fantasy XI focuses on in-form batters and multi-dimensional all-rounders. Quinton de Kock is a must-pick after his sensational century and also provides wicketkeeping points. Ryan Rickelton’s consistency at the top makes him another safe choice. Shimron Hetmyer is West Indies’ most reliable batter in the series.
Among all-rounders, Marco Jansen offers wicket-taking ability and late-order hitting, while Sherfane Rutherford is in explosive form with the bat. Jason Holder adds balance with contributions in both departments. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje are picked for their wicket-taking potential, while Keshav Maharaj and Akeal Hosein provide spin control in the middle overs.
Captain Choices: Quinton de Kock, Sherfane Rutherford
Vice-Captain Choices: Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen
Players to Avoid: Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today Match — Why
South Africa are the favourite team in today’s South Africa vs West Indies prediction for the 3rd T20 at Wanderers Stadium. They have already secured a 2–0 series lead with convincing wins, demonstrating superior consistency and depth in both batting and bowling departments. Quinton de Kock’s explosive century and Ryan Rickelton’s aggressive stroke play have powered South Africa’s high-scoring chases, while seasoned bowlers like Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada have complemented the attack with key breakthroughs.
Conversely, West Indies boast impressive hitting from Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford, but their bowling hasn’t held the same threat level, often conceding big partnerships at crucial junctures. With home advantage and familiar conditions in Johannesburg, South Africa’s balanced team setup gives them a clear edge over their West Indies counterparts. Their confidence from two straight series wins and ability to adapt to high-altitude batting conditions makes them the most likely side to clinch the series whitewash today.
South Africa T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 216 | 117 | 96 | 3 | 0 |
South Africa have a strong T20 record, winning more matches than they’ve lost, particularly in home conditions.
West Indies T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 244 | 103 | 129 | 12 | 0 |
West Indies have mixed T20 success, with more losses than wins overall but capable of explosive batting performances.
Head to Head Stats
| Total | SA Wins | WI Wins | Tie/NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
South Africa and West Indies are evenly matched historically in T20Is, each winning 14 of 28 clashes, highlighting a tight rivalry
Pitch Report
The Wanderers Stadium pitch in Johannesburg traditionally favors batsmen with its high altitude aiding the ball to travel to boundaries once set. Early seam movement is possible, but as the game progresses on a dry, true surface, run scoring becomes easier for batters who get in. Pacers can exploit bounce, while spinners hold their own in middle overs. Historically, totals above 160 have proved competitive here, and both teams will look to bat first if conditions allow, aiming to post a target that pressures the opposition under lights. Discipline in line and length will be key for bowlers to contain big hitters.
Weather Report
Johannesburg forecast on match day shows partly cloudy skies with a chance of thunderstorms later in the evening. Temperatures will hover around 26–27°C, with humidity and wind making conditions slightly unpredictable for play but generally good for a T20 contest.
Broadcast Details
The South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20 will be broadcast live on Fancode internationally and available via regional sports networks. Viewers can also stream online through digital platforms with commentary in multiple languages for global audiences.
Toss Prediction
In the Wanderers’ fast-paced conditions with possible moisture early, the team winning the toss is likely to bowl first to assess the pitch behaviour and then chase under lights, where knowing the target score can offer a strategic advantage.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Key impact batters to watch include Quinton de Kock (SA), whose recent century highlighted his ability to dominate T20 bowling attacks, and Shimron Hetmyer (WI), a destructive middle-order hitter capable of rapid scoring. Ryan Rickelton also adds power-hitting to the South African lineup. For West Indies, Sherfane Rutherford remains dangerous in the late overs, while Brandon King provides crucial starts.
Bowling prospects feature Keshav Maharaj, who has shown his spin potency with multiple wickets, and Kagiso Rabada, whose pace and bounce suit Johannesburg’s conditions. West Indies’ Akeal Hosein can exploit any turn, while Jayden Seales offers express pace that might trouble South African batters. Bowlers who maintain tight lines and adapt quickly to the bounce will be decisive.
Match Prediction
In this South Africa vs West Indies prediction for the 3rd T20, South Africa remain favoured to win and complete a series whitewash. Their superior batting depth — led by de Kock and Rickelton — combined with effective bowling options gives them the edge over the West Indies. A strong all-round performance, particularly under home conditions at Wanderers Stadium, should see South Africa secure another convincing victory.
Winner: South Africa Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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