South Africa Champions will lock horns with Australia Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 on October 9 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The defending champions will enter the contest with plenty of confidence after beginning their campaign with a commanding 97-run victory over West Indies Champions.

Note: The official WCL match centre currently lists this Australia Champions vs South Africa Champions fixture as Match 7, rather than Match 9, on October 9 at 3:30 PM UAE time. Some third-party listings have used different numbers, but the fixture itself is confirmed for Sharjah.

South Africa Champions produced an impressive all-round performance in their opening game. Richard Levi smashed 87 off just 39 balls, while captain AB de Villiers contributed 70 off 39. Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso then picked up three wickets apiece as the Proteas Legends bowled West Indies Champions out for 145.

With the winning combination likely to remain unchanged, here is the predicted South Africa Champions playing XI against Australia Champions.

1. Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis is expected to open the innings alongside Richard Levi. The former South African captain has plenty of experience in T20 cricket and can provide stability around the explosive batting options in the lineup.

Faf scored 14 off 11 balls in the opening game and will be keen to make a bigger contribution against Australia Champions. His ability to rotate the strike while taking advantage of scoring opportunities makes him a valuable opener.

2. Richard Levi

Richard Levi should retain his place at the top of the order after producing the innings of the tournament so far for South Africa Champions.

The right-hander smashed 87 off only 39 deliveries against West Indies Champions, striking five fours and eight sixes. His breathtaking strike rate of 223.07 earned him the Player of the Match award.

Australia’s bowlers will need a clear plan against Levi, who can take the game away from the opposition during the powerplay.

3. AB de Villiers (c)

AB de Villiers will be the biggest attraction in the South African lineup and is expected to continue leading the side.

The legendary batter made a superb start to the tournament, scoring 70 off 39 balls against West Indies Champions. His innings included four fours and five sixes, once again showcasing the 360-degree strokeplay that made him one of the most dangerous batters in limited-overs cricket.

His leadership and batting will be crucial against an Australia Champions attack featuring experienced campaigners.

4. Colin Ingram

Colin Ingram could continue at No. 4. The left-hander scored seven runs in the opening game but remains a dangerous middle-order batter.

His ability to attack spin and pace makes him an important part of the South African batting unit, particularly if Australia manage to take early wickets.

5. Sarel Erwee

Sarel Erwee is likely to retain his place after making a useful contribution in the opening match. He scored 23 off 13 balls, including two sixes, providing South Africa with momentum during the latter stages of their innings.

His ability to score quickly could prove valuable if South Africa are looking for another strong finish.

6. Morne van Wyk (wk)

Morne van Wyk should continue behind the stumps and bat in the middle order. The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 17 off 11 deliveries against West Indies Champions.

His experience gives the side another reliable option in the middle and lower order, while his wicketkeeping will be particularly important against Australia’s aggressive batters.

7. Wayne Parnell

Wayne Parnell is expected to retain his place as one of South Africa’s key bowling options. The left-arm seamer brings variety to the attack and can also contribute valuable runs down the order.

Parnell was among the standout performers during South Africa Champions’ title-winning campaign in the previous edition, making him an important member of the defending champions’ squad.

8. Robbie Frylinck

Robbie Frylinck could continue as the bowling all-rounder. He picked up two wickets against West Indies Champions and also provided South Africa with lower-order batting depth.

His ability to bowl cutters and variations could be particularly effective on the Sharjah surface.

9. Marchant de Lange

Marchant de Lange is likely to spearhead the pace attack. The tall fast bowler can generate bounce and use his height to trouble Australia’s experienced batters.

He picked up a wicket in the opening match and could be given the responsibility of attacking the Australian top order with the new ball.

10. Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir should once again be South Africa’s frontline spinner. The veteran leg-spinner made an immediate impact against West Indies Champions, claiming 3/24 from four overs.

His variations and ability to pick wickets in the middle overs make him one of the most important bowlers in the South African attack.

11. Aaron Phangiso

Aaron Phangiso could complete the XI after also taking three wickets in the opening match. The left-arm spinner finished with 3/49 from four overs and played a major role in South Africa’s 97-run victory.

His experience and ability to bowl during the powerplay or middle overs give AB de Villiers an additional tactical option.

Predicted South Africa Champions Playing XI vs Australia Champions