Will West Indies Pluck Proteas?

Tristan Stubbs took a moment to consider how facing West Indies would differ from playing India, just days after South Africa's 76-run victory over India in the T20 World Cup Super Eights.

"They're a really good batting side," Stubbs said. "We saw in the T20I series last month how they posted massive scores; all their batters are in really good form. They bring that challenge along with an attack that's doing really well. So it's different to India, but it's also a similar challenge."

Keshav Maharaj emphasized the stakes: "It's a huge game for us because we know if we get over the line it should give us qualification into the semifinals. West Indies have a way of turning up in these events. They've got some batters in form and some bowlers who are fighting for them."

After the win against India, Maharaj noted the team's mood: "There was a real energy and charge throughout the camp. We beat probably the best side in the competition. But we're not getting carried away, because West Indies are a very strong side, a very dangerous side."

In the recent T20I series in South Africa, West Indies posted scores of 173/7, 221/4, and 114/3 in a rain-affected match, though South Africa won the series 2-1.

The match will be played on a red soil pitch in Ahmedabad, favoring seamers, unlike the black soil surface used against India. Maharaj downplayed the significance: "I'm still trying to understand the difference. I just try to adapt on the day and see what it's giving you. Conditions have played differently, so I don't see familiarity with Ahmedabad as too much of an advantage."

He added, "It's our first three o'clock start of the tournament, so it's about adapting sooner rather than later."

West Indies, unbeaten in the tournament, are prepared for the spotlight. Batting coach Floyd Reifer said, "Everybody wants to perform at the World Cup. It's important for the guys to bring some beautiful performances to the world stage, where everybody's watching. Our energy is great and everybody's up for it."

If anyone can challenge the Proteas, it's West Indies.