South Africa and West Indies are set to clash in the opening T20I of their three-match series on Tuesday, January 27, with Boland Park in Paarl hosting the contest. The Proteas come into the series after a challenging five-match T20I assignment against India, where they lost 1-3, with one game abandoned due to rain. Led by Aiden Markram, South Africa will be keen to bounce back strongly and build momentum, especially with the T20 World Cup drawing closer.

The West Indies, meanwhile, arrive after a narrow 1-2 defeat in a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan held in Dubai earlier this month. Their campaign in that series was hampered by the absence of key players, including regular skipper Shai Hope and in-form batter Sherfane Rutherford, who were engaged in the SA20 league. With more of their senior players now available, the Caribbean side will aim to put up a stronger challenge against the hosts.

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SA vs WI, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

SA vs WI, 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI

South Africa (SA):

Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.

West Indies (WI):

Shai Hope (C & WK), Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Springer.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape on their third SA20 title in four years with a stunning six-wicket victory over Pretoria Capitals at Newlands in Cape Town as the 114-run unbeaten fifth-wicket stand between captain Tristan Stubbs and Matthew Breeztke, both of whom celebrated their respective half-centuries, got the better of Dewald Brevis’ century, which was the lone hand of Pretoria Capitals who made only 158.

When PC, the runners-up of SA20 first season, restricted SEC to 48/4 in the ninth over of the second innings, putting the required run rate to nearly 14 runs per over, they had one hand on the trophy. But the two unbeaten batters of the Sunrisers, with a record stand, stole the memorable victory from the jaws of defeat.

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Matthew began the charge when he lofted Lizard Williams over mid-on for a boundary of the second bowl of Williams final over before giving strike to the captain, who hit Williams over extra cover and passed the strike back as the former finished the over with a magnificent boundary through square leg to take 14 runs of that over and reduced the equation to 42 needed of the last three overs.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape wins SA20 2025/26 under Tristan Stubbs 

Stubbs has been excellent with his performance as he got a call-up to South Africa’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, despite struggling for form throughout the season, as his 63 unbeaten knock was his first half-century in the format in 51 innings since his 76-run knock against the West Indies in August two years ago.

Overall Eastern Cape had another season for the books as they kept their record of reaching the finals with their new signing, Quinton de Kock, finished as the leading run-getter with 390 runs while another accusation, Anrich Nortje, was the second on the list of wicket-takers as Marco Janssen’s 13 wickets this season has left him one behind Oatmeal apartment as the most successful bowler of the league.

Meanwhile, a word should be spoken for Brevis, who smashed a fine knock of 101 runs in just 56 deliveries at a strike rate of over 180, with the second best score of the Pretoria Capitals being 30 in the scorecard.

Brief Score: Sunrisers Eastern Cape 162 for 4 (Breetzke 68*, Stubbs 63*, Maharaj 1-23) beat Pretoria Capitals 158 for 7 (Brevis 101, Jansen 3-10) by six wickets.

South Africa has received a major blow before their 2026 T20 World Cup because both Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira have been declared unfit to participate in the prestigious event which takes place in India and Sri Lanka. 

De Zorzi has not achieved rehabilitation success according to expected recovery milestones since he suffered a right hamstring muscle tear which occurred during the ODI series against India last month. The left-hander needs more rehabilitation according to medical staff because he will not reach full health before the upcoming T20I series. De Zorzi has withdrawn from the World Cup squad.

Ferreira experienced a left clavicle fracture during a domestic T20 match which took place in South Africa earlier this month. His injury demands extended recovery because it will prevent him from participating in international competitions until further notice while it also nullifies his chance to compete at the World Cup.

Rickelton and Stubbs recalled and Miller fitness concern looms ahead of World Cup

The Proteas have responded by calling up Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs as replacements. South Africa has gained batting strength through the return of both batters who were missing from the initial squad after South Africa announced their first team.

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David Miller who has experience as a campaigner has developed fitness problems because he has an adductor muscle injury. Miller has been ruled out of the three-match home T20I series against the West Indies but remains in contention for the World Cup, subject to passing a fitness test closer to the tournament.

In the meantime, in-form Rubin Hermann has been drafted into the squad for the West Indies series after impressing in the ongoing SA20 league. South Africa will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Canada on February 9 in Ahmedabad after they were placed in Group D.

Updated South Africa T20 World Cup Squad

Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller* , Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs

*Subject to fitness test

Before the commencement of the SA20 Season 4, there was only one new captain in the city, and he was none other than Tristan Stubbs. The young cricketer, full of surprise and joy, shared the story how the unanticipated result of the auction directed him to the captaincy of Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Stubbs mentioned that initially the plan was to retain Aiden Markram, the former skipper. However, when the franchise could not get Markram in the auction, the head coach Adrian Birrell decided to go with Stubbs.

Tristan Stubbs’ promotion as Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain is based on local roots and leadership confidence

“Before the auction, Adi said to me that if we don’t get Aiden then I might have to do the job. Later when he confirmed it, that is when it really struck me,” Stubbs said. “That’s quite awesome. In school, I was the captain for a short time, but now I get the chance to lead my region.”

Though there were already famous names in the squad such as Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow, Birrell was quite certain about why he opted for Stubbs as the captain. “He’s a St George’s Park man through and through,” said Birrell. “He’ll lead with passion and fight. I wanted a local captain, and Tristan fits that perfectly.”

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The Eastern Cape is where SEC has got its roots and so they have brought in the local players like Matthew Breetzke, Anrich Nortje, and Lutho Sipamla, besides Marco Jansen. The new coach has already pushed the local players to be the first ones setting the right atmosphere on and off the field and to help the international players understand the South African cricket culture.

The captaincy gives Stubbs a new and fresh focus as he takes charge of Sunrisers Eastern Cape

The captaincy is also another milestone in the fast advancement of Stubbs. He was purchased for a record amount in the first season of SA20 and he calls that moment “winning the lottery,” not in terms of money, but in terms of the freedom it gave him to make cricket his priority over the constant moving around from one league to another.

Stubbs is still full of confidence despite having a mixed 2025. He will be the No.5 batsman for SEC, which is his favorite position, and at the same time, he will rely on the quality bowling attack which is headed by Nortje and Jansen. When it comes to his style of leadership, Stubbs has a very simple approach: “You must be your own person and discover your own path.” For Sunrisers Eastern Cape that path now starts with a young, local captain who is prepared to develop in the role.

South Africa registered 260/5d and took a lead of 549 runs. Could India restrict South Africa (IND vs SA 2nd Test) for a lower lead? Probably yes. If the players could utilize all of their chances properly, then the visiting side would perhaps feel some pressure. 

Stand-by skipper Rishabh Pant also let down a chance on Day 4, when Tristan Stubbs was batting on only 7 runs. Later, it was Stubbs who single-handedly took on the Indian bowling line-up by scoring 94 off 180 before Ravindra Jadeja bowled him out. As Shubman Gill is out of the match because of a neck injury, Pant is playing in the India vs South Africa 2nd Test at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati as the acting skipper of Team India. Pant himself knew he missed an easy chance to stump out Stubbs as he was smiling to the bowler, Washington Sundar, after the incident. 

"Beautifully bowled. Deceived them by the flight. Stumping opportunity missed," Ravi Shastri said from the commentary box.

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Rishabh Pant smiling after missed an easy stumping opportunity

Declare Rishabh Pant as worst wicket keeper in current times
pic.twitter.com/GKoWRkfrWu

— Chinmay Shah (@chinmayshah28) November 25, 2025

After the stumps of Day 4, India is down by 2 men for only 27 on the board. On the final day of the match and the final day of the 2-match Test series, India will have to score 522 with 8 wickets in hand. South Africa has a 1-0 lead; as they won in the Kolkata Test, they are now looking miles ahead of Team India to claim the contest. While South Africa was the first batting team in the ongoing match at the Barsapara Stadium, cricket experts criticized Pant for not showing enough intention to take wickets or restrict running between the stumps.

Overall, the keeper-batter has not been enjoying very sweet moments for the past few days. Even when he came to in the first innings, after the fall of the 4th wicket, the southpaw stepped out to play a rash shot and walked back to the pavilion along with some more criticisms. 

The IPL trade window has never been easy, a mixture of clever swaps, sentiment, and sometimes just some bad mistakes. If reports of Delhi Capitals (DC) potentially trading Tristan Stubbs to Rajasthan Royals (RR) for Sanju Samson are true, it seems like yet another risky move which could catch up with them at some stage.

A Times of India report has cited both franchises are nearing a deal and, according to reports, Samson is also very clear he will be leaving RR. The trade does indicate an excitement about the prospect of adding another brand-name player with leadership experience and elite opening-player capabilities, but sending Stubbs away would probably unravel much of the great work DC put in over the past two seasons.

The following outlines three reasons it would actually be a mistake for DC to trade Stubbs.

1. Samson's overall appeal shouldn't barb a generational talent

There is no doubt about Samson's appeal; he is a proven performer in the IPL, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, and an experienced leader--three things DC has not found consistency in. On the surface, Heath fits several of the franchise's needs at once.

The risk of that stability may be too high. Stubbs has been one of DC's most consistent performers since his arrival in the setup. In multiple formats, he has proven himself a worthy middle - order anchor, a death-hitting weapon and a reliable fielder. His adaptability, ability to accelerate, and balance make him a rare luxury in modern T20 cricket.

Stubbs is more than a finisher, he has now grown into a complete package. Trading him would leave DC open in areas they have been trying to strengthen for two full seasons.

2. DC would lose Stubbs’ prime after investing in his development

Delhi Capitals made a bold choice to pick up Tristan Stubbs from the 2024 auction for a mere ₹50 lakh. That enterprise paid paid dividends of ₹50 lakh for 378 runs at 54 average and nearly 191 strike rate in his first season. He followed it up with a brisk season in IPL 2025, with over 300 runs at a strike rate over 150.

Stubbs' consistent development shows DC's faith and development in him. He is 25 years old and at the start of the window where batters become consistent, powerful, and more mature in their game. To let him go just when he is primed for an explosion from your investments, is to let someone else reap the benefits of those long-term investments.

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In summary, Stubbs is the exact kind of player that every modern T20 franchise hopes to build their aspirations around, explosive, calm, and still growing.

3. DC's middle order could collapse without Stubbs

DC cannot afford to lose depth in the middle order – it’s been their most vulnerable area for two seasons now – but Stubbs has been the adhesive keeping that group together.

His partnerships with Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel in 2024 were bright spots in an otherwise up and down batting order. When Stubbs was pushed up the order in 2025, he transitioned seamlessly and showed his flexibility.

Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk are set at the top – and with KL Rahul likely back to opening, DC’s middle order is already looking shallow. If Stubbs isn't there, they are losing the only or most reliable bridge from the top order to finishers.

Sameer Rizvi and Karun Nair still haven’t proven they can play at that level, and it’s unlikely DC will find a like-for-like replacement for Stubbs at the mini auction.

Overall, should Sanju Samson be part of the deal, it would add greater depth to the top order and leadership group of Delhi Capitals, but it would cost them Tristan Stubbs, which could come back to jeopardize the whole batting order entirely. Stubbs is not just a guy who performs; he’s a guy who is on the verge of a breakthrough, he’s a player you want to build a franchise around, not trade away. 

If this trade goes through, DC may have just handed RR even more depth to their middle order, and that would be a mistake that DC may not live down for seasons.

In what could be the first major trade before the IPL auction later this year, Sanju Samson and Tristan Stubbs are at the centre of a potential blockbuster swap between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Both franchises are reportedly close to finalising the deal, with discussions having reached an advanced stage.

Sources suggest Samson is keen on leaving the Royals, leading to RR exploring multiple trade options. DC, eager to strengthen their middle order with an experienced Indian batter, have been in talks for several weeks but were hesitant to release any of their core players.

Interestingly, KL Rahul’s name was also floated during discussions for a possible swap, but the Capitals were reluctant to part ways with one of their most consistent performers, who also carries significant brand value.

RR eye Stubbs, DC push for Samson as KKR step up KL Rahul pursuit ahead of IPL auction

RR, on their part, are excited about bringing Stubbs into their setup, impressed by his finishing abilities and explosive batting down the order. However, it is understood that the Royals wanted another uncapped Indian player to be included in the trade. DC, though, were unwilling to add more players to the deal. Despite minor hurdles, the Samson-to-DC and Stubbs-to-RR exchange now appears the most probable outcome, barring any last-minute changes.

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It’s also learned that Rajasthan Royals had earlier reached out to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a potential trade involving Ravindra Jadeja, but those talks failed to progress beyond initial discussions.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are making headlines of their own as they continue to chase KL Rahul. With a new coach in Abhishek Nayar, known to share a strong rapport with Rahul, KKR are eager to secure a reliable captain and top-order batter. However, identifying a suitable trade piece remains a challenge.

While names like Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy have been discussed, DC are reportedly looking to invest in younger, long-term assets. Venkatesh Iyer’s poor 2024 season makes him an unlikely trade option, and he could be released back into the auction pool.

If the Samson–Stubbs trade goes through, KKR may intensify their pursuit of Rahul, setting up an intriguing pre-auction period in IPL’s ever-dynamic trade window.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape, two successive winners of the SA20, ended as the runners-up of the tournament as they lost the final against MI Cape Town at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. They finished the group stage of the points table at the third position with the help of five victories in 10 encounters at a net run rate of -0.720. It wasn’t a great start to the campaign with three consecutive defeats.

Sunrisers came to the auction of the SA20 for the 2025/26 edition with the joint second-most purse of R21.5 million with the requirement of filling 14 slots, including four overseas and two Under-23 players. The first player of the auction for the Sunrisers came in the form of the former wicket-keeper opening batter, Quinton de Kock, for R2.40 million, as the Durban Super Giants didn’t use their RTM card.

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SEC’s coup for bagging the expressive Protea pacer, Anrich Nortje, came at R5 million to join the forces with the left-arm pacer, Marco Jansen, in the attack. They had filled their 19 spots before getting James Coles, Chris Wood, Lewis Gregory, and JP King in the accelerated round.

 SA20 2025/26: Full list of players for Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Matthew Breetzke, who has already earned so much success for the Rainbow Nation with successive half-centuries in the 50-over format, went to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape for R6.1 million after an intense bidding war with the Pretoria Capitals and Durban Super Giants.

At the end of the auction, their assistant coach, Russell Domingo, announced Tristan Stubbs as their new leader, having lost Aiden Markram in the process. “I did get the clearance from the owners and from Adi to announce that Tristan Stubbs will be leading the Sunrisers going forward. He's a local boy, I think he loves nothing more than playing for the Sunrisers and for the Warriors back in Port Elizabeth.”

Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Retained: Tristan Stubbs  

Wild Card: Marco Jansen

Pre-signing: Jonny Bairstow, Allah Ghazanfar, Adam Milne.

Auction: Quinton de Kock (R2.4 million), Matthew Breetzke (R6.1 million), Anrich Nortje (R5 million), Senuran Muthusamy (R1.5 million), Patrick Kruger (R450,000), Lutho Sipamla (R600,000), Mitchell van Buuren (R200,000), Jordan Hermann (R1.5 million), Beyers Swanepoel (R200,000), James Coles (R1 million), Chris Wood (R500,000), Lewis Gregory (R1 million), CJ King (R200,000), JP King (R200,000)

The internet has been buzzing with the news of Axar Patel, who is likely to be sacked as the captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Although the franchise has shown signs of retaining the spin bowling all-rounder, the possibility of him continuing as the DC skipper appears slim.

In such a scenario, the Delhi-based outfit may be compelled to explore alternative captaincy options in the form of Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul, and Tristan Stubbs. In this article, we will look at the top three captaincy candidates who are likely to fill Axar's shoes ahead of the next IPL season. 

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Faf du Plessis

The veteran Proteas batter has a wealth of experience in competing in various franchise leagues around the world. In addition, the 41-year-old has led several notable franchises to success. He was appointed as RCB's skipper in 2022 and captained them for two years before stepping down. Under him, the Bangalore-based outfit made it to the 2024 playoffs. Elsewhere outside the IPL, Faf also endured a successful stint in the CPL by taking St Lucia Kings to their maiden CPL title win in 2024. Apart from CPL, the South African veteran also experienced a stellar run in MLC 2025. Leading the Texas Super Kings, Faf powdered the opposition with multiple centuries and took his side to a commanding position in the league.

Add to that, the South African southpaw has also captained the Proteas at the international level, leading his side in all three formats. Earlier in the IPL 2024 season, Faf served as a deputy to Axar. Faf's experience will be quite invaluable, and being the vice-captain of the team, he looks like the strongest contender to become the next captain of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the upcoming IPL season. 

KL Rahul

Indian all-format specialist batter KL Rahul is another formidable cricketing personality who can take over the captaincy baton from Axar ahead of the 19th IPL edition. Rahul is blessed with some strong captaincy credentials at his disposal. The Bangalore-based batter has so far captained two IPL franchises to this day—PBKS & LSG. His captaincy journey in the IPL began in 2020 with PBKS. Though PBKS struggled to make it to the top four, Rahul did not allow the burden of captaincy to affect his natural game. He finished the 2020 season as the highest run scorer with 670 runs to his name and slammed his best score of 132*, which was, at that time, the highest by an Indian in the IPL.

Then, in 2022, he switched his allegiance to LSG. Although he was ruled out midway through the 2023 season, Rahul was able to make a comeback a year later. However, LSG failed to deliver a promising performance under his leadership and crashed out prematurely from IPL 2024. Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of LSG, was visibly vexed to see the results, and Rahul was eventually sidelined from the squad ahead of IPL 2025. Although at first, Rahul declined to take over DC's captaincy ahead of the 2025 season, experts suggest he could change his mind as the next season looms large.

Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs, unlike his earlier predecessors, has age on his side. The South African batting all-rounder is currently in the midst of navigating the early phase of his IPL career. Although Stubbs has no credible captaincy experience under his belt, he is well known for being a key performer and a highly versatile player. Moreover, the Delhi Capitals assistant coach even went as far as describing him as a “player for the next five years”, thereby underscoring his growing importance to the team. His adaptability, backing himself in high-pressure moments, and tactical awareness have drawn praise, though always as a player and not as a leader. 

At age 25, and with growing visibility, leadership opportunities might not be far off if he continues on this trajectory. The combination of explosive batting, athleticism, and significant on-field contributions that he consistently showcases during crucial moments of a match may entice the DC management to move away from seasoned players and invest in the promising young all-rounder.

South Africa recorded their fifth successive ODI bilateral series win against Australia, after winning the second game of the three-match ODI series in Australia by 84 runs. 

Visitors South Africa were already leading the ODI series by 1-0 before the second ODI at Mackay after winning the series opener by 98 runs. While captain Temba Bavuma was rested for the second ODI, Aiden Markram led the Proteas side in the second game, where the visitors chose to bat first. After South Africa were all out for 277 runs in 49.1 overs, they bowled out the hosts for 193 runs in 37.4 overs. 

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Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs guided the team to a strong total with solid knocks

Both the South African openers, Ryan Rickelton (8) and skipper Aiden Markram (0), were dismissed in the single-digit scores. However, the next three Proteas batters controlled the innings strongly. While Tony de Zorzi scored 38 off 39 balls (five fours), he had a 67-run partnership with Matthew Breetzke for the third wicket.

Then Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs had an 89-run partnership for the fourth wicket. While Breetzke smashed 88 off 78 balls with 10 fours and two sixes, Stubbs scored 74 off 87 balls (three fours and one six) before getting out in the 44th over.

Wiaan Mulder (26) and Keshav Maharaj (22) played two crucial cameos in the innings, which helped the Proteas to set a challenging total. 

Among the Australian bowlers, Adam Zampa (3/63) picked up three wickets, while Xavier Bartlett (2/45), Nathan Ellis (2/46), and Marnus Labuschagne (2/19) bagged two wickets each. Also, the pacer Josh Hazlewood (1/57) took one wicket.

Lungi Ngidi claimed five-wicket haul

In reply, Australia got a poor start and never managed to come up to the challenging position. At the end of the first powerplay, the hosts scored 39/3 in 10 overs. Only Cameron Green and Josh Inglis produced some fightback, as they were the only batters to reach the 20-run mark in that innings. Green scored 35 off 54 balls (three fours), while Inglis scored 87 off 74 balls with 10 fours and two sixes. They had a 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but once their partnership was broken, the hosts couldn’t handle the late pressure. 

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi recorded his second ODI fifer with the bowling figures of 8.4-1-42-5. Also, Nandre Burger (2/23) and Senuran Muthusamy (2/30) both picked up two wickets each.