Let’s walk you through the best betting options for the first Test between West Indies and South Africa at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, starting on August 7.
South Africa’s tour of the West Indies includes two Tests, part of the World Test Championship (WTC), followed by a three-match T20I series. The West Indies, currently at the bottom of the WTC standings, have played seven matches, winning one and losing five. South Africa, on the other hand, have played four Tests, losing three.
Recently, the West Indies suffered a 3-0 defeat in a three-match Test series in England. South Africa last played red-ball cricket in February during a tour of New Zealand, where they lost 2-0 with a second-string squad due to a clash with the SA20 league.
Historically, the West Indies have struggled against South Africa, having never won a multi-match Test series against them. Their only series win came in 1992, in a single-Test series. South Africa will aim to maintain their dominance in the Caribbean, seeking their fifth Test series win there.
Where to watch West Indies vs South Africa 1st Test live
For cricket enthusiasts in India, the South Africa vs West Indies Test series might not be available on traditional television networks. However, all the live action can be streamed online via FanCode. Fans can purchase a match pass for the first Test at an affordable price of INR 19 or opt for a more comprehensive tour pass, which includes both Tests and three T20Is, for just INR 89. This offers a great value for money to catch all the excitement of the series.
For viewers in South Africa, the live action of the first Test will be broadcasted on SuperSport, ensuring that local fans don’t miss out on any moment of the game. Fans from other regions should check with their local service providers for availability. This series promises thrilling cricket, and with these options, fans worldwide can stay connected to every ball bowled and every run scored.
Possible XI: West Indies vs South Africa
Let us now take you through the possible playing XIs of the two teams to help you with the best odds for the West Indies vs South Africa 1st Test.
West Indies, led by Kraigg Brathwaite, have made quite a few changes for this home series with Alzarri Joseph being rested and a few players getting dropped. Kemar Roach, who missed the England series, is back in the side and will be key in the bowling department.
South Africa have named a solid squad for this series with several top players in Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj. Marco Jansen was rested for this tour while Anrich Nortje was not considered 
after opting out of the central contract.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
West Indies vs South Africa: Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record between these two teams in Test cricket is ridiculously in favour of South Africa. They have competed against each other in 32 Test matches, of which South Africa have won 22 and West Indies have managed to win only three times while seven Tests were drawn. The Proteas have won all of the last five encounters.
The two teams last met each other in red-ball cricket on 8th March 2023 at Johannesburg, where the hosts defeated West Indies by 284 runs. Temba Bavuma, who made a magnificent 172 in the second innings of South Africa, was named the player of the match.
South Africa favourites to win
South Africa will be favourites to win the first Test at odds of 1.17 on 22Bet.
As we have seen from the past record, South Africa hold a big edge in this match-up. They haven’t lost a Test against West Indies since 2007 and have a stronger side for this Test as well. The batting line-up has Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham while the bowling attack looks potent with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj.
West Indies’ batting unit looks pretty vulnerable with much depending on Kraigg Brathwaite, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, and Joshua Da Silva. They have good bowling resources in Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie. If you believe West Indies can pull off a win, you can bet on them on BetWinner at the odds of 8.95.
Venue analysis Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad
The pitch at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad, is known for its balanced nature, making it a fair contest between bat and ball in Test cricket. Batters can score big once they get through the tough phases.
Characteristics of the venue
- Seamers generally get good assistance here, especially with the new ball.
- Spinners come into the play later in the match, with the pitch deteriorating.
- A bat-first venue where putting on a good first innings total will help.
West Indies vs South Africa best odds for betting
Here are some of the betting tips based on the West Indies vs South Africa best odds from 22Bet.
Temba Bavuma has scored 385 runs in the last six Tests at an average of 43. He made a fifty in the tour match ahead of this Test series. Back him to be the top South Africa batter at odds of 4.00.
Kagiso Rabada has taken 39 wickets in his last eight Test matches at an outstanding strike rate of 30.97. You can bet on him to be the top bowler for South Africa at 3.40 odds.
Gudakesh Motie could be a key figure in this match against South African batters. He has taken 25 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 22.44. Bet on him to be the top bowler for West Indies at odds of 4.00.
West Indies vs South Africa fixtures
Test
- 1st Test – August 7, 2024 – August 11, 2024 – 7:30 PM IST – Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain
- 2nd Test – August 15, 2024 – August 19, 2024 – 7:30 PM IST – Providence Stadium, Guyana
T20Is
- 1st T20I – August 24, 2024 – 12:30 AM IST – Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
- 2nd T20I – August 26, 2024 – 12:30 AM IST – Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
- 3rd T20I – August 28, 2024 – 12:30 AM IST – Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
- Indian Rupee as a currency
- Very Competitive odds
- Website available in Hindi
- Indian Rupee as a currency
- Very Competitive odds
- Website available in Hindi
