Cricket Prediction | SA Champions vs WI Champions | World Championship of Legends 2025 | 2nd Match | July 19 – Should Legends Bat First or Chase Here?

SA-C vs WI-C Match Analysis

The second match of the World Champions League sees the South African Champions face off against the West Indies Champions at the iconic Edgbaston ground in Birmingham. Scheduled for a mid-afternoon start, the encounter promises to be an exciting contest under usually pleasant English summer conditions. 

The South Africa Champions boast a blend of experienced campaigners and dynamic talent. With AB de Villiers leading the charge in the batting lineup, the team combines technical skill with aggressive strokeplay. 

The West Indies Champions are renowned for their explosive batting firepower and fierce pace attack. Led by the dynamic Kieron Pollard, their batting order is packed with big-hitters capable of changing the game in a few overs. 

South Africa Champions vs West Indies ChampionsTeam Preview & Squads

South Africa Champions

AB de Villiers leads the SA Champions with a calm and strategic approach. His vast experience in international cricket provides the team with steady leadership. De Villiers’ ability to adapt quickly to different match situations makes him an invaluable captain in tight contests.

The batting depth of the SA Champions is impressive, anchored by the likes of Hashim Amla and Jean-Paul Duminy. Players such as Richard Levi and Dane Vilas provide solid options in the middle order, capable of both building innings and accelerating when required. This depth allows them to recover from early setbacks and post competitive totals consistently.

The team’s bowling lineup features a strong mix of fast bowlers and spinners. Imran Tahir’s leg-spin provides control and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs, while Wayne Parnell and Hardus Viljoen offer steady pace options. 

In their last outing, South Africa Champions defeated India Champions convincingly at Northampton in the Legends World Cup. Posting a competitive total of 210/8, they bowled India out for 156, winning by a comprehensive 54 runs. The team showed great resilience and skill, particularly in their bowling effort. 

South Africa Champions Squad

SA Champions

Richard Levi (wk), Dane Vilas, Morne van Wyk, Sarel Erwee, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Jean-Paul Duminy, Chris Morris, Albie Morkel, JJ Smuts, Imran Tahir, Wayne Parnell, Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier, Aaron Phangiso

West Indies Champions

Kieron Pollard leads the WI Champions with his aggressive captaincy and tactical acumen. Known for leading from the front, Pollard inspires his team with his all-around capabilities and game awareness. 

The WI boast a power-packed batting lineup with the likes of Chris Gayle and Lendl Simmons providing explosive starts. Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s experience adds stability in the middle order, complemented by Dwayne Smith and William Perkins, who can accelerate the innings. 

Their bowling attack is anchored by the pace of Sheldon Cottrell and Shannon Gabriel, who bring intensity and aggression. Ashley Nurse and Sulieman Benn offer valuable spin bowling options, delivering control and variation, especially in the middle overs. 

The Pakistan Champions narrowly defeated the West Indies Champions in the 1st Semi-Final of the Legends World Cup held at Northampton. Chasing 199, they fell short by 20 runs despite a competitive effort, scoring 178 in 19.5 overs. The close loss highlighted both their batting firepower and the need for sharper death bowling. They will look to bounce back strongly in this clash.

West Indies Champions Squad

WI Champions

Chadwick Walton (wk), William Perkins, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Sulieman Benn, Dave Mohammed, Nikita Miller

SA-C vs WI-C Outfield Report

Edgbaston, Birmingham

The pitch at Birmingham is expected to be a true wicket with a balance between bat and ball. Early movement for the seamers can be anticipated, but the surface should ease out, allowing strokeplay to flourish in the middle overs. The outfield is typically fast, favoring boundaries once the ball races along the ground.

The weather forecast predicts a partly cloudy day with temperatures around 22°C (72°F). Light winds will be present, with minimal chance of rain interruptions, creating near-perfect conditions for cricket. The moderate humidity should not overly assist the bowlers but will keep the outfield fresh.

Historically, Birmingham has witnessed scores ranging from as low as 140 on a difficult day to as high as 220 in ideal batting conditions. A total of around 180-200 is likely the par score if batting first, while chasing sides have successfully chased targets in the region of 160-190, depending on match tempo.

South Africa Champions vs West Indies Champions Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

South Africa Champions have edged out West Indies Champions in the last five encounters, winning three matches to two. 

SA-C vs WI-C Prediction

According to cricket analysts South Africa Champions have a 53% chance of Winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.