T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest West Indies Predicted Playing XI against South Africa

West Indies are the defending champions of the T20 World Cup which is currently on in the UAE. The cherry on the cake is that they stand to be the only team who have clinched this trophy on two occasions. Keeping all this aside, the way they started their T20 WC campaign against England was no less than a nightmare, and will have to rethink their strategies to gain momentum in the tournament.

West Indies are all set to play their next clash against South Africa who are also coming after having a dismal outing against Australia. As they already stand in the ‘Group of Death’, they can’t afford mistakes at any point in time. In the same context, let’s take a look at what combinations they will walk in. It has to be noted that they are no short of match-winners in their list but need better plans.

West Indies Predicted Playing XI against South Africa in T20 WC

Openers (Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons)

They stand to be two prolific players of the West Indies and have done the job for their team on various occasions. Taking into consideration the fact that all their batters collapsed against England, they were no different but need to truly return in their usual colours in their outing against South Africa.

Middle Order (Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, and Kieron Pollard)

The middle-order of West Indies looks absolutely star-studded on papers and even if one man starts firing for them, they can turn the match in their favour. However, the last match saw complete collapse and spinner Adil Rashid running through their order.

Even while not having age on his side, Gayle can smash boundaries for fun and Hetmyer is capable of playing a crucial cameo at any point. Their talented and calm skipper Pollard is known for his batting exploits in the T20 format and they seem to be all set in this context. However, their only concern can be the form of Nicholas Pooran who failed to fire even once in IPL 2021 but management might trust him one more time.

All-rounders (Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell)

Bravo and Russell stand to be the two world-class all-rounders at the current moment and can ace both the departments well in the game. Bravo was seen at his usual best in IPL 2021 with CSK and even led his team to a CPL win earlier this year. Even Russell can change the game from word go and his abilities pose a great threat to the opposition.

Bowlers (Akeal Hosein, Obed McCoy, and Hayden Walsh Jr)

There was nothing in West Indies’ favour during their last game apart from some decent bowling action by Akeal Hosein who picked two wickets while conceding at 6.0 and pulled a great catch to stun all. McCoy who has been exceptional in West Indies is also likely to take the field in the next game.

West Indies might change Ravi Rampaul with Hayden Walsh Jr who has done great for them in all these times. He was brilliant when Australia toured them as he picked 12 wickets in five games.