West Indies Vs South Africa: South Africa elect to field in Super 8 clash in Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad on Thursday, the west indies vs south africa Super 8 match began with South Africa winning the toss and electing to field, a move that sets an early tactical tone between two unbeaten sides.

Big wins set the stage

Both teams arrive unbeaten and fresh off commanding victories: South Africa snapped India's 12-match unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cup with a 76-run win at the same venue on Sunday, while West Indies posted 254/6 — the highest team total of this edition — before dismissing Zimbabwe for 147.

West Indies Vs South Africa in Ahmedabad

Selectors named strong XIs for the clash. West Indies’ lineup includes Shai Hope (c) (wk), Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie and Shamar Joseph. South Africa’s XI features Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi. The West Indies made a change by bringing in spin allrounder Roston Chase in place of Akeal Hosein.

Toss, pitch and match stakes

South Africa’s decision to field ties directly to the pitch: Ahmedabad’s red-soil surface is expected to give some extra bounce to fast bowlers, a characteristic that could favour pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. With both sides packed with explosive hitters, one of them will lose for the first time in six matches at the tournament.

What comes next

The immediate outcome will determine which unbeaten run ends in Ahmedabad; the next confirmed match later Thursday sends India to Chennai to face Zimbabwe in a must-win game for both teams in that group stage fixture.