SA vs WI 1st ODI: Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details

The two sides play the first ODI on Thursday, March 16 at the Buffalo Park in East London.

Published - 15 Mar 2023, 15:05 IST | Updated - 15 Mar 2023, 14:37 IST

3 Min Read

Following the conclusion of the red-ball series, South Africa host West Indies in a three-match ODI series scheduled to kickstart on Thursday, March 16 at the Buffalo Park in East London. The Proteas thrashed the Windies 2-0 in the two-match Test series and will be raring to replicate a similar result in the 50-over format.

However, the three-match series is not a part of the ODI World Cup Super League. Despite this, the Proteas will pin their hopes of making a place in the 2023 ODI World Cup ahead of the crunch ODI series against Netherlands.

Temba Bavuma is set to lead the side and will be gunning to put his best foot forward against the Caribbean side. Notably, South Africa are without Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, and David Miller as the star players will return only in the final ODI match.

On the other hand, Shai Hope takes over the leadership duties from Nicholas Pooran and will look to start his first campaign as a skipper with a resounding win. Deputy of the side, Rovman Powell has been in terrific form with the bat and will be a vital cog in the middle order.

Speaking about their head-to-head records in the ODIs, the Proteas have a massive lead with 44 wins whereas West Indies have won only 15 times in their 62 outings thus far. An exciting series awaits as both teams will look to push each other to their limits in the three matches.

Pitch and Conditions

The surface at the Buffalo Park in East London provides a significant amount of assistance for pacers. Furthermore, batters will find it challenging to score big runs due to the variable bounce present on the wicket. Bowlers can restrict the rival team from scoring big at this venue considering the pitch conditions.

Probable Playing XI for SA vs WI

South Africa

The hosts will be looking to make a mark in the ODI series as well, just like they did in the Tests. Of late, Temba Bavuma has been in good touch and he will be the one to look out for. With key players missing out, it will be interesting to see what strategies South Africa deploy to clinch a win.

Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Sisanda Magala

West Indies

West Indies too will be hoping to start off the series with a win so as to get over the recent loss in the Test series. With recent changes in their white-ball captaincy, it is to be seen how wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope leads the side.

Shai Hope (c & wk), Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Shannon Gabriel