Daijiworld Media Network

Basseterre, St Kitts, Jun 15 : West Indies have overwhelmed. That statement can be perceived as disrespectful given the affluent history Caribbean boasts of, but when exactly were the current West Indies lot potent in ODIs? They look now, to the glee of the cricketing hemisphere. They have beaten both Australia and South Africa to bury ideas of their form being a fluke. Narine led their umpteenth ODI metamorphosis, with the troika of World Cup wins being the spark, and this young West Indies team without 'veterans' look motivated enough. A win today will shoot them to the top of the table, thus giving them a candy shot at the finale.

West Indies have won the toss and have opted to field

South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers(c), Jean-Paul Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi

Jason Holder: Looks pretty similiar to me, we are looking to field first. Just looking to be consistent and that's what we are stressing about, we are playing the same team.

West Indies (Playing XI): Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin(w), Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder(c), Carlos Brathwaite, Sulieman Benn, Sunil Narine, Jerome Taylor

The pitch, let's put it, isn't a Guyana slugfest. It's better although it slowing up towards the end of the innings is a fact as obvious as the POTUS election. Well, not really. Weather though is supposed to be nice and sunny, with a high of 30 degrees predicted. So all set for two fierce installments of 50 overs.

Match Preview:

With just three matches to go, South Africa can't afford any slip-ups in the tri-series in West Indies. AB de Villiers and his men have lost two games so far out of the three they've played and sit at the bottom of the table.

The win against Australia helped West Indies leap frog South Africa and jump to the second spot. The Proteas have been patchy at best in this series. After a four-wicket loss in the first game, they managed to defend 189 against Australia to earn their first win. However, they imploded in their next contest against the same opposition to concede the game by 36 runs.

Batting is the main concern for the visitors going into the next game and it wasn't surprising when Hashim Amla asked the batsmen to take more responsibility. They've managed scores of 188 all out, 189 for 9 and 252 all-out on a much more batting friendly Warner Park in St Kitts. South Africa lost seven wickets for just 42 runs and that paints a damning picture. Another batting meltdown could well mean AB de Villiers and his boys will have to make an early return and see Australia and West Indies fight for the trophy.

West Indies, on the other hand, will walk into the game after a moral-boosting four-wicket win over Australia. Short boundaries, a confident batting line-up and Sunil Narine finding his mojo back make the hosts clear favourites ahead of the contest.

West Indies have eight points from three games and if they can win this contest, they can take a three-point lead over Australia and ensure themselves a good shot at making the final.

When: West Indies v South Africa, June 15, 10.30 PM IST

Where: Warner Park, St Kitts

What to expect: Another bright and sunny day expected in St Kitts.

Team news:

West Indies: After a comprehensive win over Australia, it's unlikely the hosts will make any changes to their winning combination.

South Africa: Chris Morris, who missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury, is fit and available for selection.