West Indies vs South Africa – 5th T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is West Indies vs South Africa taking place? Saturday, July 3rd, 2021 – 19:00 (UK)
Where is West Indies vs South Africa taking place? National Cricket Stadium, St George’s, Grenada
What is the expected weather for West Indies vs South Africa? 27c with cloud and a chance of a rain shower.
What channel is West Indies vs South Africa on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport in the UK
Where can I stream West Indies vs South Africa? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website and app
LAST MEETING
West Indies beat South Africa by 21 runs.
THE TEAM NEWS
WEST INDIES
- West Indies levelled the series up last time out against the Proteas with a 21-run victory that saw them successfully defend a total of 167/6 after losing the toss and being inserted to bat.
- The Windies had captain Kieran Pollard to thank for a successful total, with the big hitting middle order dasher blasting 51 runs from just 25 balls, building on the good work of opener Lendl Simmons, who hit 47.
- All-rounder Fabian Allen is a huge injury doubt having injured his shoulder in the field during the 4th T20i and should he be unavailable for this match, Andre Fletcher could replace him in the starting line-up.
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa were frustrated in the 4th T20i, as their batting order found themselves strangled by the Windies bowlers, with wickets taken at regular intervals.
- One shining light was wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock, who continued his outstanding series with 60 from 43 balls, which was the only meaningful contribution from the Proteas batting line-up.
- After such a poor performance with the bat, South Africa may be tempted to tinker with their batting in a bid to reverse their fortunes for the deciding T20i, with a recall for Henrich Klaasen potentially on the cards, after he was left out of the last two games.
THE PREDICTION
An enthralling T20i series all comes down to this deciding match between West Indies and South Africa with both desperate to inject some winning momentum into their respective squads as the build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup later on in the year continues. Whilst the West Indies boasts arguably the stronger depth within their batting line-up, South Africa have a formidable pace bowling attack alongside the spin-bowling option of Tabraiz Shamsi. However, Temba Bavuma’s side are far too reliant on Quinton de Kock for their runs and that may well prove the difference in this match. Ultimately with home advantage in their favour, the firepower of West Indies with the willow should see them pull through and secure both the win and the series.
