IML 2025: Simmons, Lara, and Rampaul Lead West Indies Masters to Semifinals
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match on March 11, the West Indies Masters triumphed over South Africa Masters by 29 runs, thanks to stellar performances from Lendl Simmons, Brian Lara, and Ravi Rampaul, securing their place in the IML 2025 semifinals.
Key Takeaways
- Lendl Simmons scored a spectacular century.
- Brian Lara provided steady support with his innings.
- Ravi Rampaul claimed a five-wicket haul.
- The team scored 200 runs in their innings.
- South Africa Masters fell short at 171 runs.
Raipur, March 11 (NationPress) It was an evening filled with memories as the West Indies Masters relied on the exceptional performances from centurion Lendl Simmons, Brian Lara, and Ravi Rampaul’s five-wicket haul to secure their spot in the semifinals of the International Masters League (IML) 2025, achieving a 29-run victory against South Africa Masters here on Tuesday.
Facing a formidable bowling attack from South Africa Masters, spearheaded by Jacques Kallis and Makhaya Ntini, the Caribbean flair was on full display. Lendl Simmons (108), captain Brian Lara (29), and later Chadwick Walton (38 not out) propelled their team to a score of 200/5 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
After a rocky beginning where Dwayne Smith (5) and William Perkins (5) fell early to Garnett Kruger, Simmons and Lara showcased a brilliant recovery, forming a remarkable 125-run partnership for the third wicket.
Simmons, the aggressor, swiftly reached a 31-ball fifty, while Lara, the artist, crafted his innings with elegance. The Prince of Trinidad, who started slowly, shifted gears with a towering six off Alviro Petersen and a boundary in quick succession, signaling his intent.
Simmons dazzled further, racing to his century in just 54 balls, hitting Thandi Tshabalala for a six and a four before calmly taking a single to complete a well-deserved hundred.
Just as the duo seemed set to dominate the match, Ntini sparked life into the contest by dismissing Simmons, who scored 108 off 59 balls, including 13 fours and five sixes, and new arrival Ashley Nurse in consecutive deliveries.
Ryan McLaren then claimed the vital wicket of Lara, who contributed 29 off 34 balls, after the southpaw had anchored the West Indies Masters’ innings. Nevertheless, Walton continued to shine, providing momentum with six massive sixes, pushing the West Indies Masters to a total of 200 runs.
The chase by South Africa Masters began with Richard Levi scoring a brisk 44, but early wickets stalled their progress. Jacques Kallis and Jacques Rudolph then steadied the ship with a pivotal 78-run partnership, rekindling hopes for a successful chase.
Although both batsmen were delivering equally, the game appeared to be slipping from the West Indies Masters’ grasp. However, Lendl Simmons made a game-changing impact, dismissing Rudolph for a solid 39 off 34 balls, which included four boundaries.
Seizing the moment, Ravi Rampaul returned to the attack with dramatic results. In just five deliveries, the seasoned bowler dismantled the South Africa Masters middle order, capturing the crucial wickets of Kallis (45), Farhaan Behardien, and Dane Vilas, adding to his earlier wicket of Hashim Amla (3). Rampaul completed his five-wicket haul in his final over, claiming Ryan McLaren as the Proteas ended their innings at 171/8.
With this defeat, South Africa Masters’ campaign concluded disappointingly.
Summary of scores:
West Indies Masters 200/5 (Lendl Simmons 108, Chadwick Walton 38 not out, Brian Lara 29; Garnett Kruger 2/14, Makhaya Ntini 2/34) defeated South Africa Masters 171/8 (Jacques Kallis 45, Richard Levi 44, Jacques Rudolph 39; Ravi Rampaul 5/26) by 29 runs.
