The stage is set for a riveting three-match T20I showdown as South Africa and the West Indies lock horns at the historic Three Ws Oval in Barbados for the 1st T20I. Both teams come out fresh from a competitive ODI series, with South Africa riding high after clinching the decider in a rain-hit thriller.
As fantasy cricket enthusiasts eagerly build their XIs, this match offers the perfect blend of explosive batters, dynamic all-rounders, and crafty bowlers to make your picks truly rewarding.
Fantasy 11 Picks for South Africa vs West Indies 1st T20I
Wicket-keepers:
1. Shemaine Campbelle (West Indies):
Campbelle’s experience and composure behind the stumps make her the cornerstone of the West Indies line-up. As a wicket-keeper who thrives under pressure, she has the ability to chip in with valuable runs in the middle order and plays a key role in breaking crucial partnerships with her quick glovework. Her dual skill set makes her a must-have in fantasy XIs for this high-stakes encounter.
She has scored 1,410 runs at an average of 15.49 in 114 innings with the bat for her side in the T20I format, with a high score of 47. She also has the potential to deliver handy breakthroughs with the ball for her side, with 34 wickets at an average of 19.88 and an economy of 5.11 in 44 innings with the ball for her side in the format.
Batters:
2. Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa):
The South African skipper brings a blend of class and aggression at the top of the order. Known for her elegant stroke play and consistency, Wolvaardt is the anchor who can set the tone on tricky Caribbean surfaces. Her leadership and calmness under pressure ensure that she is always a fantasy favourite.
She has scored 2,035 runs at a strike rate of 115.23 and an outstanding average of 35.70 in 74 innings with the bat, including 12 half-centuries and a century to her name in the T20I format for South Africa so far. She seems to have found her rhythm with a brisk half-century in the 3rd ODI of the recently concluded series.
3. Qiana Joseph (West Indies):
Qiana Joseph is a promising left-hander who brings variety, firepower and freshness to the West Indies’ top order. Her left-arm orthodox bowling adds an extra dimension, making her a valuable option for those seeking versatility. Her proactive approach, both with the bat and ball, keeps her in the game throughout the match.
She has scored 364 runs at a strike rate of 124.23 and an average of 21.41 in 18 innings, including a couple of half-centuries to her name with the bat for her side. She has also picked up 4 wickets at an average of 5.70 in 12 innings with the ball for her side in the format.
All-rounders:
4. Hayley Matthews (West Indies):
As captain of the home side, Hayley Matthews is arguably the most impactful player in the West Indies setup. Her ability to open the batting and bowl crucial overs with her off-spin makes her a genuine match-winner. Matthews’ fearless approach and knack for rising to big occasions ensure she is always in the thick of the action.
She has scored 2,828 runs at a strike rate of 115.28 at an average of 28 in 109 innings, including 17 half-centuries and 3 centuries with the bat for her side in the T20I format. She has also picked up 111 wickets at an average of 18.45 and an economy of 6.10 in 102 innings, including 4 four-wicket hauls with the ball for the West Indies, leaving a decisive impact with the bat as well as with the ball, influencing the result of the game for the West Indies on multiple occasions in the T20I format. She has injured her shoulder, and there is a possibility of her missing the 1st T20I. In that case, you can pick an alternative choice in Jannillea Glasgow.
5. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa):
A true all-rounder, Kapp’s presence brings balance and stability to any side. Whether swinging the new ball or hammering runs in the death overs, her commitment and versatility make her an automatic fantasy pick.
She has scored 1,622 runs at a strike rate of 105.25 and an average of 21.34 in 94 innings with the bat for South Africa, including five half-centuries to her name in the T20I format. She has also picked up 88 wickets at an average of 20.80 and an economy of 5.53 in 99 innings, including one four-wicket haul with the ball for South Africa in the T20I format.
6. Chenille Henry (West Indies):
A dynamic all-rounder, Henry gets the nod as the fantasy captain due to her ability to influence all facets of the game. Her explosive batting lower down the order and knack for breaking partnerships with the ball make her a triple-threat. She’s a live wire on the field who can change the game with her brilliance on the field.
She has scored 473 runs at a strike rate of 91.13 and an average of 14.78 in 53 innings with the bat for her side. She has also picked up 22 wickets at an average of 34.59 and an economy of 6.84 in 44 innings with the ball for the West Indies in T20Is. Her stocks are on a rapid rise, especially in the T20I format.
7. Nadine de Klerk (South Africa):
De Klerk’s tireless energy and adaptability earn her the vice-captaincy in our fantasy squad. Her contributions with both bat and ball, especially in crunch situations, make her a consistent performer. She’s the type of player who always finds a way to leave a mark on the contest.
She has scored 614 runs at a strike rate of 106.78 and an average of 27.90 in 46 innings with the bat. She has also picked up 50 wickets at an average of 24.22 and an economy of 7.32 in 54 innings with the ball for South Africa in the T20I format, so far.
8. Annerie Dercksen (South Africa):
A reliable batting all-rounder, Dercksen’s ability to build partnerships and chip in with timely wickets makes her a smart fantasy pick. She adds depth to the line-up and often plays a crucial role in turning the tide with her medium pace.
She has scored 170 runs at a strike rate of 128.78 and an average of 24.28 in 12 innings with the bat for her side. She has also picked up 5 wickets at an average of 31.80 and an economy of 7.81 in 12 innings with the ball for South Africa in the T20I format.
9. Jahzara Claxton (West Indies):
Claxton’s flair as a left-hand batter and her wicket-taking ability with medium pace make her a valuable addition to the team, providing balance and options at crucial junctures during the match. The 19-year-old youngster has shown promising glimpses of her power-packed potential with the bat as well as with the ball, in the 3rd ODI of the recently concluded ODI leg of the series against South Africa. She scored 43 (32 balls) with the bat and returned with match figures (7-0-48-1) with the ball in the series decider.
Bowlers:
10. Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa):
Mlaba’s left-arm spin is a potent weapon on Caribbean pitches. She has a knack for applying the brakes in the middle overs and snaring pivotal wickets. Her ability to outfox batters with flight and turn makes her a lethal fantasy asset.
She has picked up 50 wickets at an average of 24.26 and an economy of 6.31 in 58 innings, including one four-wicket haul with the ball for South Africa in the T20I format. She is just 1 wicket away from completing 100 International scalps.
11. Aaliyah Alleyne (West Indies):
Alleyne’s medium pace and handy lower-order batting bring added value. Her disciplined bowling, especially in the powerplay and at the death, often results in breakthrough moments, making her a must-have pick for your XI. She has picked up 17 wickets at an economy of 7.92 in 42 innings with the ball. She has also scored 343 runs at a strike rate of 90.98 and an average of 11.06, with a high score of 49* with the bat in 41 innings for the West Indies.
As the lights come on at the Three Ws Oval, expect these stars to shine brightest. Choose wisely and enjoy the thrill of fantasy cricket as West Indies and South Africa kick off their T20I campaign on 20th June 2025.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.