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The West Indies are set to host South Africa for a three-match T20I series starting on Thursday (May 23), at Sabina Park in Jamaica. This series will act as a crucial final dress rehearsal for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. The last encounter between these sides saw the West Indies clinch a 2-1 series victory in South Africa in March 2023.
Absence of key players due to IPL 2024
However, both teams will be without several key players who are currently engaged in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 . For the West Indies, regular captain Rovman Powell, along with Alzarri Joseph and Sherfane Rutherford, will miss the series due to their commitments in the IPL. Additionally, star players Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran have been rested to manage their workload.
Leadership changes and squad adjustments
In the absence of Powell, Brandon King will take on the role of captain for the West Indies. This presents an opportunity for emerging players to showcase their skills and stake a claim for a spot in the World Cup squad.
Similarly, South Africa will also be missing several pivotal players such as David Miller, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen and Keshav Maharaj. With these absences, Rassie van der Dussen, who has not been included in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad, will lead the team. This series offers him a platform to prove his leadership skills and for other fringe players to impress ahead of the global tournament.
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South Africa tour of West Indies 2024, T20I Series Fixtures, Venues and Timings:
- May 23: 1st T20I, Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica – 12:30 am IST (May 24), 7:00 pm GMT (May 23), 2:00 pm LOCAL (May 23)
- May 25: 1st T20I, Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica – 12:30 am IST (May 26), 7:00 pm GMT (May 25), 2:00 pm LOCAL (May 25)
- May 26: 1st T20I, Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica – 12:30 am IST (May 27), 7:00 pm GMT (May 26), 2:00 pm LOCAL (May 26)
Squads:
West Indies: Brandon King (c), Roston Chase, Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr
South Africa: Rassie van der Dussen (c), Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje
Broadcast and Live Streaming details:
- India: Fancode
- West Indies: Rush Sports, ESPN
- South Africa: SuperSport (Channel 212)
- UK: TNT Sports 1